Why a Charter?
Trees have stood up for people since the beginning of human history, providing fuel for our fires, shelter from the elements, timber for our buildings, and places for inspiration and relaxation. To our ancestors trees held a special sacred status due to their vital role in everyday life and the emotions they stirred, and the UK’s history, language, culture, literature, art and industry are all rooted in our trees and woods.
Every year we learn more about the ways that we benefit from trees. Their role in cleaning the air, conserving soil, lowering flood risk, improving mental and physical health and supporting huge numbers of important species become ever more apparent. The relatively recent rise of plantation forestry as an industry, meanwhile, has paved the way for woodland livelihoods to be more economically and environmentally sustainable.
Despite all of this, society in the UK has never been more disconnected from its trees. Individuals are less likely to spend time in woods, including children who are spending more and more time in front of screens at the expense of ‘wild time’. When we spend less time with trees it is easier to ignore the issues they face, and our woods and trees are facing huge threats to their future from pests, diseases, climate change and pressure from development.
What is a Charter and what will be in it?
A charter is a document that outlines and defines the rights for a group of people.
The articles, or chapters, of the Charter for Trees, Woods and People, will be based upon the stories you share with us about how trees improve your life. The tree charter will set out people’s rights to these benefits and will remind us of the responsibilities we need to undertake to ensure that trees are protected and recognised in the future.
During 2017 carved ‘story poles’ will be installed across the UK. These poles will be a lasting reminder of the charter and the importance of trees in our lives. Stories can be carved into and written on these poles, helping to spread and continue the legacy of the tree charter.
The tree charter will launch on the 800th anniversary of the Charter of the Forest, which was signed in 1217. This charter aimed to protect the rights of the people to access the Royal Forests.
How can you be a part of it?
Add your voice to the Charter by uploading your story to the website at https://treecharter.uk/add-your-voice. You could write about a tree that is special to you, an experience you’ve had in a wood or share your thoughts on how trees and woods make you feel. It can be a short memory or a quick anecdote, or something longer.
Your company, charity or institution can also support the call for a Charter for Trees, Woods and People, and help build a future in which trees and people stand strong together by signing up as a supporter of the call and displaying the Charter Mark on your website.
For woodland owners
Sylva Foundation is leading a consultation that will enable woodland owners across the UK to input to the Charter for Trees, Woods and People. This consultation, available at https://sylva.org.uk/myforest/charter, is the only activity specifically aimed at ensuring the views of woodland owners are reflected in the Charter.