The United Nations General Assembly declared 21st March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. To celebrate and bring awareness to the importance of all forests and woodlands. Forests are internationally important for every living being on the planet. They store carbon and provide the oxygen we breathe. They provide food and shelter for people and animals and the extensive root structures slows soil erosion. Trees and forests are pillars for communities and supporting biodiversity worldwide. Forests supply freshwater to more than 85% of the world's major cities. This year's theme is forests and foods, highlighting the important role forests play in food security.
More than five billion people around the world use forests for food, medicine and to support their livelihoods. Not only do trees provide direct sources of food in the form of fruits, seeds and nuts, but they also provide the right conditions for fungi and animals to live in.
Despite all the benefits forests give us, they are a threatened habitat. The UK and most of Europe was once home to wide expanses of ancient woodland, that was a hive biodiversity, inspiring folklore and myths that are still around today. These habitats are irreplaceable as a result of an accumulation of different plants and trees over hundreds of years that has created a rich, dense ecosystem. Despite this, ancient forests only cover 2.5% of the UK. These ancient forests are small but mighty, storing large amounts of carbon. This is just one type of woodland in the UK, we have many more such as broadleaf forests and even urban parks that are home to small woodland plots.
To celebrate international forest day you can find a forest to take a walk in, learn more about forests and even volunteer and plant trees within your communities. There is no action too big or too small when it comes to celebrating and protecting our natural world.
You can find your nearest forest with the Woodland Trust and even apply to plant trees within your communities or schools here.
The Food and Agriculture organisation of the United Nations released a report in 2024, highlighting threats to forests and how we can use them sustainably. Click here to read the full report.
You can also find more information about why forests are so important from the Forest Stewardship Council here and from the WWF here.
You can get involved with forests by volunteering or supporting Forest England here.
