Chairman Tony Cobb welcomed members to the 523rd meeting of Henley Probus Club.
Following a short business meeting, the guest speaker was Janet Widdows, a Volunteer with the Woodland Trust, who gave an interesting and informative talk entitled “What we do, Our Work Woodland Trust”.
As an introduction, Janet presented some of the many benefits provided by trees were explained. These included: providing shade and cover in towns and cities which help to regulate temperatures in our roads and cities, providing Oxygen in the atmosphere and absorbing carbon dioxide, providing vital habitats for wildlife.
Our Health and Wellbeing can benefit greatly when walking through trees and woods.
There are also some serious harms which trees can suffer including Pests and Diseases, many of which are imported from overseas but despite regulations it is an ongoing problem. The Ash dieback disease has been a major problem in recent years.
The Woodland Trust was established over 50 years ago and is the largest woodlands conservation charity in the UK
Its vision is a world were woods and trees thrive for people and nature. It’s aims are achieved by protecting woods and trees, restoring damaged ancient woods, and creating native woods. These aims enable the Trust to oversea more than 1000 woods for the public to explore and enjoy.
Research remains an important part of the conservation work, for policy creation and practices of the Trust.
Janet’s talk was very well received by the Probus audience.