The Princess Royal released a video message marking International Day of Forests through the Woodland Trust on Sunday.
In her message, Princess Anne said: “The 21st of March marks the International Day of Forests—a day designed to raise awareness of the importance of forests, woods and trees across the world.
“We know more now about the incredible range of benefits that trees deliver to us and our planet than at any other time in mankind’s existence and yet, through global deforestation, the world is losing millions of hectares of forest every year.”
The theme of this year’s International Day of Forests is “forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being.”
“Trees make our life on earth possible, and yet, it is perhaps the everyday nature of them that has made it so easy to take them for granted,” Princess Anne continued. “They generate oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil, play host to a spectacular variety of wildlife, provide us with raw materials and shelter and inspire our imaginations and our creativity.
“Nor should we forget that trees and woodlands make a positive difference to our own health and wellbeing. Life has changed for all of us over the past 12 months and during the most challenging of times, we have become aware of the importance of having regular access to green spaces. People have found comfort in woodland in these calming and magical places.
“We all benefit from our trees and woods and we could do with a great deal more of them. The Woodland Trust’s hope for this year’s International Day of Forests is that more of us stop taking our local trees for granted.
“The Woodland Trust has ambitious plans to plant 50 million trees over the next five years and we will be doing this involving as many people as possible. There are many ways to get involved, and if you can help in any way, do visit the Woodland Trust’s website. We are always keen to work together.
“On this International Day of Forests, enjoy the trees, respect what they do for us now and help us plan for our future with many more trees. Thank you.”
Princess Anne’s full message can be viewed here.
