Why

Healthy ecosystems help regulate, clean and purify our air and water, they maintain our soil, regulate the climate, recycle nutrients and provide us with food. They provide raw materials and resources for medicines, clothing, heating, housing and other purposes. Our reliance on natural ecosystems forms the basis of our human civilization and economy.

Biodiversity is the key indicator of the health of an ecosystem. A wide variety of species will cope better with threats than a limited number of them in large populations.

Even if certain species are affected by pollution, climate change or human activities, the ecosystem as a whole may adapt and survive. But the extinction of a species may have unforeseen impacts, sometimes snowballing into the destruction of entire ecosystems.

According to the united nations 2019 report on sustainable development around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. The average abundance of native species in most major land-based habitats has fallen by at least 20%, mostly since 1900.

Fellowship of the trees is committed to the creation, nurturing and protection of all planetary ecosystems and biodiversity. Therefore, we work to ensure that every action we partake in is of benefit to the land, soil and all life forms a part of it.

“If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us.” – David Suzuki.

There are more than 60,000 different species of trees. Trees provide the air that we breathe, filter the freshwater we drink, provide food and medicine, make rain, clean the air, cool the temperature and provide shade, nourish the soil, and prevent erosion and floods.

However, over the past 300 years, humans have cut down more than half the trees on our planet. Deforestation continues at a rampant pace, despite pledges made by governments to end deforestation by 2020. Every minute, the equivalent of 50 football pitches is cut down, primarily for animal agriculture, timber, palm oil and mining. This in turn is driving unprecedented species & biodiversity loss.

The UK is one of the most deforested countries in the world and has only 13% tree cover, compared to the European average of 36%. There is now only 610,000 hectares of ancient woodland surviving, covering only 2.5% of the land.

As an organisation, we believe that the destruction of ancient woodland and old growth forests cannot simply be mitigated through replanting, and therefore it is our responsibility to guard and preserve these established ‘elder’ ecosystems. We advocate the use of alternative, responsible and sustainable sources of fuel, food, and energy that will prevent further harm and destruction being done to our global ancient woodland, forests and rainforests.

“We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees”, Qwatsinas

Positive mental health and well-being is vital for every individual and society to thrive. Poor mental health can be caused by numerous biological, cognitive or environmental factors, ranging from genetic predispositions, neuro-chemical imbalances, traumatic events, and so on.

The demands of western society, including the need to meet one’s basic living needs through working life, cultural expectations, stress and social isolation can also all contribute to an individual experiencing an episode of poor mental health. Furthermore, austerity measures have meant that mental health services are under pressure, and it can often be difficult for people to get the support they need.

Research has shown that our connection to nature is important and proves beneficial for our mental health. Spending time in nature has been shown to improve mood, attention, reduce stress levels and even improve our interpersonal relationships (Chowdhury, MA 2020).

Environmental psychologists believe that the interaction and contribution of nature plays a significant role in human development, well-being and behaviour. Furthermore, disruptions in natural ecosystems and habitat in any given area invariably also negatively impact the human populations connected to them. Environmental psychologists highlight that our connection to nature enhances our spiritual wellness, we can experience a sense of gratitude and foster a desire to protect it.

‘Forest bathing’ has traditionally been used as a Japanese well-being practise, which has recently evolved in the West with ‘eco-therapy’.

In the ground-breaking book, “Last Child of the Woods” Richard Louv terms ‘Nature-deficit disorder’ as an issue that affects children. His research shows that children who are deprived of contact with nature may experience emotional or behavioural problems.

Louv proposes that reconnecting children with nature can transform their lives, and so inspired an international movement of ‘forest schools’ and nature based therapies for children.

Fellowship of the Trees is passionate about supporting individuals to improve their mental health and well-being through providing opportunity to connect and be of service to the Earth. We provide spaces for all people, from all backgrounds to experience the enriching joys of nature.

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles”, Anne Frank.
 

“Ecotherapy improves mental wellbeing, it helps people to become more physically active, it gives people the skills to get back into work or training, and it helps people who are lonely or socially isolated to broaden their networks. These are all important factors that can prevent people developing a mental health problem to start with”, Paul Farmer, CEO, Mind.