THE Future Forest Company has reached 1.5 million trees planted in Scotland before World Conservation Day.
Annually on 28 July, World Conservation Day is held internationally to raise awareness surrounding the importance of protecting the Earth and its ecosystems.
Since 2020, The Future Forest Company has grown and cared for many native broadleaf species and Scots pine trees in its Scottish woodland sites.
They ensure that all the trees that they plant are planted by hand, monitored and maintained to increase their chances of survival.
In all its sites, The Future Forest Company attends in-person events as well as allowing online feedback to give local communities an input on the sites.
They also have their specialists work closely with locals and frequently provide them with volunteering options which has included partnering with The Conservation Volunteers at the Dumyat site in Stirling.
With over 340,000 trees planted, the Dumyat site is their largest and also serves as a source of education and research for Stirling University groups.
Under half of the company’s owned land involves tree planting however as they partake in other projects like peatland restoration and protecting existing habitats.
Since about a quarter of the species being prioritised by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan are associated with woodlands and trees, The Future Forest Company’s work provides essential habitats for all kinds of species.
The Forest Research statistics reveal that over 15,000 hectares of new forests were planted over the 2023/24 period in Scotland with the Future Forest Company contributing 327.4 of that.
The independent Climate Change Committee informs that, to fight the effects of climate change, the UK should be planting 30,000 hectares of new woodland annually by 2025 with Scotland contributing 18,000.
Senior Forest Manager at The Future Forest Company, Jamie Adcock, stated: “World Conservation Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate and contribute to the preservation of our natural world.
“This day serves as a reminder of the critical role each individual, communities and businesses play in safeguarding the environment for future generations to come.
“But our work at the Future Forest Company doesn’t just centre around one day of the year.
“We work persistently throughout the entire year to support the environment and our natural habitats, and we’re pleased to announce we have reached yet another milestone in our tree planting efforts.
“The Earth is currently facing several challenges such as climate change, loss of habitat for wildlife, deforestation, and more due to the increasing pollution and heavy consumption of non-renewable resources.
“By planting more trees, not only can we help restore and protect natural habitats and endangered species, but we can also help combat climate change.
“I would like to say a huge thanks for the support of our corporate tree planting partners, individual sponsors and volunteers for all of their efforts in helping us to achieve this milestone.”