Forests are more than just a patchwork of trees. They’re alive with colour, sound, and movement. Whether you love wildlife, strolls with your dog, or simply clear air, saving forests is in everyone’s interest. They support eco-systems, offer countless daily benefits, and hold stories from the past. Here’s why we should work together to keep our forests safe, healthy, and in public hands.
If walking in the woods with dogs, learn of toxic plants like bulbs and mushrooms to avoid near dogs. Also know trees to avoid near horses (including yew & oak).
Keep away from grey/white caterpillars (oak processionary moths that cause allergies and breathing difficulties – contact a doctor/vet if in contact).
Also cordon off affected trees from livestock and horses. Mostly found in London in warm weather, report to your council and Treealert.
Public Forests Belong to Everyone
Forests in public ownership are a shared treasure. They offer free access for walks, learning, and play. Keeping them public means they’re managed for people, not just profit.
When private firms take over, access often shrinks and what once belonged to all of us can be lost. Protecting public status means future generations can still roam, relax, and enjoy these wild spaces.
Home for Birds and Wildlife
Birdsong and animal tracks are some of the best parts of any walk in the woods. Forests are home to countless species that can’t live anywhere else. Robins, owls, squirrels, deer, butterflies, and rare plants all depend on healthy forests for food and shelter.
Every time we save a forest, we also protect birds’ nesting sites and the food chains that keep nature balanced.
Free Fruit and Nuts
Wild forests offer snacks you won’t find in the shops. Blackberries, chestnuts, elderberries, and hazelnuts grow freely in British woods. Locals and foragers can gather these with care, connecting people to the land and food seasons. This ancient link to nature adds a touch of delight to any walk, especially with children.
Cool Shade on Hot Days
Trees give us cool spots to relax when the sun beats down. Their leafy branches cast generous shade, making walks and picnics pleasant. Towns with trees stay cooler during summer heatwaves, which keeps parks, streets, and schools comfortable for all.
Slows Climate Change and Heat Island Effect
Forests work quietly, helping us fight a hotter planet. They draw down carbon dioxide, the main gas behind climate change, turning it into wood and leaves. Trees also cool cities and towns, cutting the so-called heat island effect. More forests mean fewer extreme heat days and a big, positive effect on the local climate.
Wild Beauty and Calm
A forest’s beauty is hard to beat. Bluebells in spring, copper leaves in autumn, or the fresh green of new growth can lift spirits and spark creativity. Just being among trees triggers calm and wonder. These natural views nourish our imagination and well-being for free.
Forest Bathing: Nature’s Reset Button
Popular in countries like Japan, forest bathing is simple. Walk slowly among the trees and notice the sights, sounds, and smells of the woods. This gentle activity lowers stress, helps you think more clearly, and boosts mood. Anyone can do it and forests offer the perfect space for this quiet reset.
The Best Dog Walks
Forests are top spots for walking dogs. They’re safe, exciting, and full of new scents. Dogs love to run, chase, and play in the cool air under tall trees. Guardians get exercise and fresh air too. Many public forests allow dogs off the lead, making them much loved by the local community.
Prevents Floods and Stops Soil Erosion
Trees slow the rush of rainwater, cutting the risk of flash floods. Their roots hold earth in place, preventing landslips and muddy streams. Towns with nearby forests are less likely to see flooded homes after heavy rain. Keeping forests standing is one of the best ways to protect property downstream.
Purifies the Air We Breathe
Forests act as giant air filters. Trees soak up dust, chemicals, and pollutants, leaving the air fresher and healthier. Parks and woods in cities lower asthma rates and shield children from dirty air. More forests mean cleaner lungs for everyone.
Protects Our Shared History
Many forests hold traces of the past. Old tracks, stone walls, rare trees planted long ago, and even ancient burial mounds hide under the trees. By saving our forests, we keep hold of all these stories, signs, and secrets, letting future generations discover them in the wild instead of seeing them lost to building sites.
Stops Unwanted Building
Once a forest is cut down, new buildings often fill the gap. Saved forests put a limit on urban sprawl and keep green spaces close to people’s homes. Protecting woodlands in public hands makes unwanted building far less likely.
What We Can Learn from German Forests
90% of Germany’s forests are heavily protected by law, and the 72 tree species are home to up to 10,000 animals and plants. Tree are so protected that there is even a word for it: Bannwald.
In England, the government a few years back was only stopped from selling off our public forests to private industry, due to a petition at 38 Degrees. The government later admitted it had made a mistake.
Can You Hear the Trees Talking? (by a German forester) is an interactive illustrated book for young readers, teaching how trees feel, communicate and take care of their families.
Learn about the ‘wood wide web’, aphids (who keep ants as pets!) and nature’s water filters. Also learn how trees get sick, and how we can help them to get better.
Trees sometimes nourish the stump of a felled tree for centuries after it was cut down, by feeding it sugars and other nutrients, so keeping it alive. If a tree falls in the forest, there are other trees listening.
When thick beeches support and nourish other trees, they remind me of a herd of elephants. They too look after their own, and help their sick and weak back up on their feet. They are even reluctant to abandon their dead. Peter Wohlleben
How Pine Trees Helps Native Wildlife
The Scots pine is the only native pine in England, often seen in old forests and heathland. Its reddish bark and long, blue-green needles make it easy to spot. This tree grows tall and straight, reaching up to 35 metres.
Pine trees can be toxic to pets and livestock, and the needles should be kept away from pets. Read our posts on pet-friendly gardens and sustainable Christmas trees.
The Scots pine grows well in poor, sandy soil, and often planted for sand dune stabilisation and shelter along the coast, thanks to its ability to handle salty winds and sandy soils. Its resin was once used to make turpentine, a traditional woodland product.
Although it’s true that the Squirrelpox virus (carried by grey squirrels) can harm red squirrels, the main reason for them being endangered is lack of native woodland.
Red squirrels adore pine trees, that’s why you find more in Northumberland and Scotland. Culling grey squirrels is not the answer, a vaccination combined with better woodlands is. Read our post on saving all squirrels.
Birds like crossbills, siskins, and woodpeckers rely on pine seeds and insects living in the bark. The thick carpet of pine needles helps fungi and specialised plants grow. Some butterflies and moths depend on pine trees for part of their lifecycle, showing how connected pines are to local biodiversity.
How Latvia Protects Its Native Forests
Latvia is home to one of Europe’s oldest languages, here you’ll also find Europe’s widest waterfall, and a country that is 50% protected forest.
In England, only a petition by 38 Degrees stopped the UK government selling off remaining forests to private owners. 10% of Latvia is bog, so pack your natural rubber wellies!
Latvia’s Key Laws for Forest Protection
Latvia guards its native forests through a firm legal framework. The backbone is the Forest Law of 2000, which sets clear standards for felling, replanting, and habitat care. It controls clear-cut size, protects sensitive zones, and links harvesting to a sustainable yield. Forest owners must replant after logging, and methods must avoid damage to soils and streams.
The Nature Protection Law complements this by designating strict areas for conservation, including reserves and micro-reserves around rare species. These legal tools keep old-growth patches, nesting sites, and riparian strips safe from chainsaws. They also guide planning, permits, and penalties.
EU policy adds extra teeth. Natura 2000 sites, created under the Birds and Habitats Directives, cover a large share of forest habitats. These sites have management plans, ecological targets, and routine checks. Latvia aligns forest policy with climate and biodiversity targets, linking woods to carbon storage and species recovery.
Policy balances use with preservation. Forestry is a pillar of the economy, yet Latvia sets clear limits. The country works to keep forest cover near 50 percent and uses strict fines and licence controls to deter illegal activities. Owners and companies follow best practice, with audits and certification that reward good performance. In short, the system welcomes sustainable use, but it puts long-term forest health first.
The Forest Law: Rules That Prevent Overexploitation
The Forest Law defines what can be cut, where, and when. Protected zones, such as old-growth stands and riparian buffers, are either no-go areas or have tight restrictions. Clear-cuts are limited in size, and replanting is required within set timeframes. The State Forest Service monitors compliance, checks harvest volumes, and reviews plans.
Sustainable yield sits at the centre. Annual cuts must not exceed the forest’s growth over time. Many producers hold FSC certification, which covers legal sourcing, worker rights, and habitat care. Together, these measures have cut illegal logging sharply. Reports indicate a drop of around 70 percent since 2010, a sign that rules, audits, and fines work.
International Agreements Boosting Conservation
Latvia follows EU rules that strengthen forest protection. The Birds and Habitats Directives support Natura 2000 sites, which safeguard key species and habitats across borders. Policies under the Paris Agreement back the role of forests in carbon storage and climate action. Latvia also upholds the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, setting targets for protected habitats and species.
Over 600,000 hectares are under formal protection, including forest, bog, and dune systems. The benefits show in stable bird numbers, healthier wetlands, and intact old woods. Conservation is not just on paper, it delivers real gains on the ground.
Protected Areas for Latvia’s Forests
Protected areas anchor Latvia’s forest strategy. National parks and reserves protect native ecosystems across coasts, river valleys, and inland bogs. They limit harmful activities, support research, and guide visitor access. Many sites have marked trails, boardwalks, and seasonal closures to reduce disturbance.
This network holds a wide range of habitats. Dry pine forests stand beside sandy dunes, while wet alder woods border peat bogs. Rangers and scientists track species, restore habitats, and remove invasive plants. Schools and volunteers help plant trees, count birds, and clear litter. Visitors learn, enjoy, and support local economies through eco-tourism.
Clear rules shape public use. Stay on marked paths, respect nesting zones, and keep noise low. Simple behaviour helps wildlife thrive. In return, the parks offer close views of rare species and unspoilt scenery, from sandstone cliffs to open bog pools. The result is a living showcase of forest care in action.
Gauja National Park: A Haven for Ancient Trees
Gauja National Park is Latvia’s largest protected area. It spans old forests, sandstone outcrops, and the winding Gauja River. Management combines trail zoning, anti-poaching patrols, and seasonal closures around nesting sites. Rare species such as lynx and black storks find refuge in deep woodland and riverine habitats. Restoration teams replant native trees and remove invasive shrubs, which helps old forest structure return.
Kemeri National Park: Wetlands and Bogs
Kemeri is famous for its bog forests and raised peatlands. Boardwalks guide visitors over fragile ground without damage. Protection rules prevent drainage, peat extraction, and industrial pollution. This keeps carbon in the ground and water levels stable. Peatland care also supports cranes and other wetland birds, with recorded growth in several breeding populations. Eco-tourism is well managed, with viewing towers and clear codes of conduct.
Other Reserves: From Coast to Inland Woods
Slitere National Park protects coastal dunes, dry pinewoods, and remote lighthouses. Teici Nature Reserve guards one of the largest raised bogs in the region, with strict access for science and guided visits. The Nature Conservation Agency manages these sites under a unified approach, linking forests, bogs, and meadows. Together they form a green network that lets wildlife move and habitats recover.
Sustainable Practices and Forest Care
Strong laws and parks need steady work on the ground. Latvia backs reforestation, community education, and green business models that value long-term gains. Forest owners follow best practice on soil care, water protection, and mixed-species planting. Public funds support habitat projects and landscape-scale planning.
Local people play a direct role. NGOs run campaigns, schools join field days, and volunteers help plant and monitor. Citizen reports flag illegal dumping or damage, which speeds up enforcement. Businesses support conservation through certification, staff volunteer days, and tourism services that depend on intact forests.
Technology adds precision. Satellites, drones, and GIS maps track changes in canopy cover, pests, and fire risk. Real-time alerts help rangers act early, while shared data supports research and planning. EU programmes co-finance upgrades, training, and cross-border projects. The goal is simple, to keep forests healthy for the next generation.
Reforestation Efforts to Renew Native Species
Each year, planting drives use local seed stock to keep genetic lines strong. Government targets call for about 20,000 hectares replanted yearly, with a focus on mixed stands of pine, spruce, birch, and oak. These young forests bind soil, filter water, and create new habitat edges. Schools and youth groups join in, turning lessons into field work and fostering care for woodland from an early age.
Community and NGO Roles in Daily Protection
Groups such as the Latvian Fund for Nature lead awareness work and habitat projects. Citizens use simple apps to report illegal dumping, off-road damage, or suspicious felling. Eco-tourism brings income to rural areas through guided walks, birdwatching, and local crafts, which feeds back into conservation funds. Local success stories show how small teams can restore a wet meadow or save a nesting site with modest means.
Modern Tools for Monitoring Forest Health
Drones map storm damage, track pest outbreaks, and assess replanting success. GIS platforms layer data on soils, habitats, and ownership, which helps plan harvests and buffers. Satellite data spots unlicensed clear-cuts within days. EU funding supports hardware, training, and data standards, so agencies and owners work from the same picture. Early warnings save trees, money, and time.
