Trees for healthier communities
Woods and trees have a huge role to play in creating and sustaining healthy communities, as recognised by Natural England in its new ‘Natural Health Service' manifesto. However, fewer than 15 per cent of people currently live within easy walking distance of a wood despite the recognised health benefits woods provide in encouraging exercise, helping reduce the mental stresses of modern life, and improving air quality. A study suggested that doubling tree cover in the West Midlands could reduce excess deaths due to air borne particulates by 140 a year, in addition to reduction in chronic respiratory conditions. The economic impacts of this sort of change are enormous.
