Woodland Trust urges more trees as young people reconsider their futures due to climate change

Woodland and trees are vital to combat the devastating effects of climate change

One in three young people in Britain are scared (33%), sad (34%) or pessimistic (34%) about climate change, with more than a quarter of youngsters feeling “overwhelmed”.

A survey by the Woodland Trust found deep concerns about the future among 16-24-year-olds, with almost one in four saying fears over the climate crisis mean they are willing to consider, or have already decided, to have fewer children than they would otherwise like.

The poll of more than 2,000 adults and young people found that two thirds are worried about climate change, with one in four very worried. Women (69%) are more worried than men (61%).

However, despite fears about climate change and its effects, 86% of those surveyed felt that being outdoors and among nature had a positive effect on their mental health.

“We know that being outdoors and among nature has a positive effect on mental health,” said Woodland Trust chief executive Dr Darren Moorcroft, “But the level of access to green space in the UK is simply not good enough.”

The UK currently has just 13% woodland cover, only 7% of which is in good ecological condition, compared to a European average of 37%. Dr Moorcroft said that, with access to woodland declining, and tree cover in the UK one of the lowest in Europe, the results were “alarming”.

He said, “Young people are experiencing an epidemic of climate anxiety and are increasingly worried about the health of the planet. This new data shows that climate change is jeopardising more than just the environment, with people’s mental wellbeing and future life plans also affected.”

The poll conducted by YouGov in February 2023 showed that only 9% of those aged 16-24 felt that young people had much influence when it came to making decisions about climate change.

Being in nature improves physical and mental wellbeing

The Woodland Trust has long recognised the importance of empowering the younger generation in climate conservation and has put young people at the heart of creating the 400-acre Young People’s Forest at Mead in Derbyshire in 2018.

With climate anxiety an ever-increasing issue, Hayley Jarvis, head of physical activity for the mental health charity Mind, said outdoor activities can be a great way to improve mental wellbeing.

“Ecotherapy, a type of formal treatment which involves doing activities outside in nature, can be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety,” she added. “Unlike working out in the gym or other indoor activities, the colours, sounds and smells we find outdoors stimulate our senses in a different way and can boost our mood. Getting away from modern life and into a relaxing outside space can allow us to switch off from everyday pressures, help relieve stress, and give us time to clear our heads.”

The Woodland Trust has more than 1,000 woods across the UK. They are all free to visit. To find your nearest wood enter your postcode in the Woodland Trust’s wood finder tool.

Along with improving mental wellbeing, studies show that nature stabilises blood pressure, boosts our immune system, and accelerates recovery from surgery.

Science shows that woods and trees can combat the devastating effects of climate change: flooding, pollution, and extreme weather and temperature. They are also the ultimate carbon captors, absorbing atmospheric carbon and locking it up for generations.

The Woodland Trust is the UK's largest woodland conservation charity and its mission is to plant 50 million trees across the UK by 2030. The Trust has launched its ‘Plant More Trees’ climate campaign.

To help the Woodland Trust fight the climate crisis see: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/plant-more-trees/ #plantmoretrees