British Woodlands Are More Exposed to Threats Than a Century Ago

An independent study launched by 20 forestry and wildlife organizations from the UK reveals that Britain's woodlands feel the impact of a wide series of threats at an "unprecedented scale."

According to the researchers involved in this project, the issues and opportunities UK forests face at this point in time are much greater than those experienced a century ago, reports the Independent. Representatives form the Forest Stewardship Council teamed up with the officials from Woodland Trust and other affiliated groups to raise the public's level of awareness regarding the potential of this new threat, while urging the government to draw up an illegal framework meant to tackle the the problem of the woodlands.

The main risk-factors indicated by the study are massive pollution, a wide range of diseases, the presence of pests, the destruction of habitats and, last but not least, the action of invasive species as well as the overgrazing issue.

Moreover, the report also shows that mismanagement of forests, lack of information, monitoring and control represent harmful elements that increase the impact of natural and man-made threats.

One of the hottest topics reflected in the recent report is the need of an extended woodland cover, as a key resource our planet will use to overcome the effects of climate change.

As the Kyoto protocol will expire next year, supporters encourage the implementation of a new legal framework that can restore the balance of woodlands, critically vulnerable in the UK.

The government has to focus its attention on environmental issues, making the restoration and protection of forests one of the main priorities.

A similar study issued by the National Assessment of UK Forestry and Climate Change Steering Group in 2009 shows that forests could absorb the equivalent of 25% of current CO2 emissions launched in the atmosphere through fossil fuel burning processes, until 2030.

In order to achieve this, woodland has to experience the beneficial effects of a winning combination between a responsible forest management, afforestation and reduced deforestation.