Gardening with the RHS The Power of Trees: Wellbeing, Wildlife and the Future of Our Woodlands
Nov 27, 2025
Join experts Sally Bavin from the Woodland Trust, Louise Jones, a plant scientist probing tree pathogens, and Helen Bensted-Smith, a wildlife contributor, as they delve into the vital role of woodlands. Sally reveals how trees enhance mental and physical health, while Louise discusses the concerning Tilia leaf blotch fungus threatening lime trees. Helen highlights the rich biodiversity of garden ponds, showcasing the diverse life forms they support, from dragonfly larvae to frogs. Together, they unveil the connections between trees, wildlife, and our well-being.
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Ancient Woodland’s Unique Fingerprints
- Ancient woodlands are irreplaceable habitats that formed after the last ice age and host unique species assemblages.
- Their character depends on soil, elevation and rainfall creating distinct regional ‘fingerprints’.
A Century Of Monocultures Created A Restoration Moment
- 20th-century drives for economic yield replaced diverse native woodland with non-native conifer monocultures.
- Those plantations degraded habitat and now many stands are at harvest age, creating a restoration opportunity.
New Trees Don’t Quickly Replace Lost Complexity
- Woodland cover has increased but woodland wildlife continues to decline, showing new planting alone can't quickly restore biodiversity.
- Protecting and improving existing woodlands is essential because new woodland lacks complex habitat for fast recovery.