Benedict Bate from The Woodland Trust gave an an excellent talk and PowerPoint presentation.
Their vision is to Plant, Protect and Restore trees native to Scotland. These include oak, ash, rowan, birch, sycamore and of course Scots pine.
Benedict stressed the importance of trees for the environment. We need trees for health and wellbeing. They are the oldest living things on the planet. They clean and purify the air and they keep us cool.
Trees are the natural habitat for beasts, birds eg ospreys and all sorts of insects. Deer can be a problem but there are also pine martens, squirrels rabbits and wild cats. Forests are also the home of flowers- bluebells, primroses and snowdrops (to name but a few.)
Trees will grow if ground is left alone.
Trees are in our vocabulary. - family tree, branches (banks and businesses), trunk roads.
Benedict also stressed the importance of trees for future generations .Children love woods and forests too. There are free tree packs available.
The Woodlands Trust was formed in 1972.
The projects at the moment Scotland are :
Glen Finglas
Glen Sherup
Loch Arkaig
Tummel Valley
Ben Shieldaig, Western Ross Torridon.
The Trust would like to buy the Couldron Estate which would then be part of the Great Trossachs Forest.
This was a very informative, succinct talk which kept all members interested. The club's formal vote of thanks was given by Grace.