Nothing like a walk in the woods is there. These fine Pine were surrounding Fewston reservoir in North Yorkshire. There's something quite grounding about walking among tall trees and I find it a humbling and slightly spiritual experience...What?..a Hippy?!..well maybe, at heart. But the point I wish to make here is that we have to really appreciate what mother nature provides and as a species we need to stop taking our forests and woodlands for granted and where necessary act to save our trees. Many ancient forests and woods up and down the UK are under constant threat from either forest sell off and or development of one kind or another and in more recent years (2011 onward ) the proposal of the HS2 high speed rail links by our government will basically carve through the middle of England obliterating everything in it's path. Do not be fooled by plans to 'build over important reserve sites by way of bridges...' because in order to build such constructions they have to trash everything underneath them. Decisions made by those in power who cannot see the wood for the trees affect all of us and our natural environment. It is so important, that we keep ourselves up to date with the ever changing policies affecting our native woodlands and open spaces not only up and down the country, but those much nearer to where we live. Our local patches as we call them. The Woodland Trust and the National Trust are both good sources of information: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk nationaltrust.org. As is saveourwoods.co.uk. It is also a very good idea to keep abreast of local planning law changes, especially in relation to Local Plan. Refer to your council web sites and also www.planningportal.gov.uk
