TREES FOR LIFE
Britain is one of the most deforested countries in Europe.
The Caledonian Forest originally covered much of the Highlands of Scotland, with the native pinewoods extending to 1.5 million hectares in a wild landscape amongst the mountains, lochs and rivers. By the late 20th century less than 1% of the forest survived, and scattered fragments consisting of old trees neared the end of their lives. Overgrazing by deer and other herbivores prevents the growth of any new trees.
Moved by the plight of this ancient forest, Trees for Life began work in 1989 to help it regenerate and expand again. Initially concentrating in Glen Affric, the largest area of least-disturbed forest left in Scotland, Trees for Life now work throughout a region of 2,370 sq.km. In the longer term, they aim to assist the return of the lost wildlife species - as essential parts of the forest ecosystem.
Most of the large mammals native to Britain, such as lynx, brown bear, wild boar and the European beaver, have disappeared with their forest habitat.