28 min listen
Future Forests
ratings:
Length:
28 minutes
Released:
May 24, 2017
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
Can Britain revive its forests and grow the wood we need for a greener economy? Tom Heap investigates as we approach the 800th anniversary of the 1217 Charter of The Forest. Tree planting in England has hit a forty five year low which is alarming both the timber industry and environmentalists. Tom visits a new woodland in Central Scotland combining conifers with native tree species to offer wildlife habitats, flood prevention, and public access as well as timber. Foresters hope this new generation of mixed woodland will overcome resistance to tree planting, from those who fear a dark monoculture of conifers. Meanwhile, Ella McSweeney reports on a conifer planting boom in Ireland which, it's claimed, could damage the environment and price small farmers off the land. Back in the UK, Tom discusses how producing hardwood timber from broadleaved woodlands might give them a more secure future.
Producer: Sarah Swadling.
Producer: Sarah Swadling.
Released:
May 24, 2017
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Britain's Wilderness: The first attempt in England to turn a landscape back into a wilderness is 10 years old. by Costing the Earth