International Day of Forests: Why the World’s Woodlands Matter More Than Ever

Every year on 21 March, the world marks the International Day of Forests, a global reminder that forests are not simply scenic backdrops for countryside walks, but living systems that sustain life on Earth.

From the ancient woodlands of Britain to the vast canopy of the Amazon, forests quietly shape our climate, economy and wellbeing. 

Yet they are under constant pressure from deforestation, disease, pollution and climate change. This day offers a moment to pause and reflect on what forests give us and what we must do to protect them.

Why Forests Matter

Forests cover around a third of the planet’s land surface. They:

Absorb carbon dioxide and help regulate the global climate

Support 80% of terrestrial biodiversity

Protect soil and water systems

Provide livelihoods for millions of people

Offer spaces for recreation and mental restoration

In the UK, woodlands are central to our cultural and natural heritage. Think of the legendary Sherwood Forest, or the patchwork of ancient woodlands scattered across Shropshire, Wales and beyond. These places are not just tourist attractions, they are carbon stores, wildlife habitats and natural sanctuaries.

Forests and Climate Change

Forests act as the lungs of the planet. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to slow the pace of global warming. When forests are cleared or burned, that stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere.

The Amazon Rainforest alone plays a crucial role in global climate systems. Large-scale deforestation there has consequences far beyond South America, affecting rainfall patterns and biodiversity worldwide.

Closer to home, tree planting initiatives across the UK aim to increase woodland cover and restore degraded landscapes. However, planting new trees must go hand in hand with protecting existing ancient forests, which are irreplaceable ecosystems developed over centuries.

The Mental Health Connection

Spending time in forests has measurable benefits for mental health. A quiet woodland walk can lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure and improve mood. The Japanese practice of “forest bathing” immersing oneself mindfully in a wooded setting, has inspired similar wellbeing initiatives across Europe.

For many people, local forests became essential spaces during lockdown periods, offering fresh air, exercise and perspective.

Threats Facing Forests

Despite their value, forests face serious challenges:

Illegal logging

Agricultural expansion

Urban development

Wildfires

Invasive pests and diseases

In the UK, ash dieback disease has devastated thousands of trees, reshaping familiar landscapes and reminding us how fragile woodland ecosystems can be.

How You Can Mark the Day

International Day of Forests is not only about awareness, it is about action. You could:

Visit a local woodland and learn about native species

Support conservation charities

Reduce paper and wood waste

Choose sustainably sourced timber and products

Plant native trees in your garden or community

Even small changes in consumer habits can reduce pressure on global forest systems.

A Future Rooted in Responsibility

Forests connect climate, biodiversity, culture and wellbeing in one living network. They are ancient yet vulnerable; resilient yet dependent on human stewardship.

International Day of Forests invites us to look beyond the trees, and recognise that protecting forests means protecting ourselves.

Whether it is a walk beneath towering oaks, a commitment to sustainable choices, or supporting conservation efforts, the future of forests begins with everyday decisions.

Because when forests thrive, so do we.

https://forests.desa.un.org/events/international-day-forests-2026

New research shows families are losing touch with their local woodland

New research released by home furnishing experts IKEA in association with the Woodland Trust, shows  families across the UK are missing out on enjoying their local woodland, as they don’t know where to find it or prefer to take part in other activities.

Out of the 2,000 parents questioned, 1 in 5 (20%) say they don’t spend time with their family in the local woodland as they don’t know where to find it, and a third (33%) say they don’t have any woodland near them to visit.

These worrying findings are supported by recent statistics from the Woodland Trust, which show the UK is one of the least wooded countries with only a 13% covering compared to a European average of 44%.

When it comes to spending time together, the activity families most enjoy is hitting the beach (28%) closely followed by visiting the local woodland or park (24%). 18% are happiest at a local theme park and a surprising 10% prefer to stay indoors watching TV or playing computer games. 27% of parents also admit their kids spend less than two hours a week playing outside and a staggering 5% say their kids spend no time at all playing outside of the home.

Despite this, half (50%) of parents think it very important for their kids to get out of the house to play and 49% would like to see more woodland in the UK to enjoy with their family. 61% would be keen to get involved in tree planting initiatives in their local area and 31% know of a local area that could be improved by a woodland planting scheme.

As part of an on-going commitment to support local communities and to help create more woodland for the nation to enjoy, IKEA has been supporting the Woodland Trust since 2007 through the ‘IKEA FAMILY Foot of Forest campaign.’ Every time an IKEA FAMILY member swiped their FAMILY card in-store IKEA donated 10p to the Woodland Trust to create a 'foot of forest' This campaign raised over £1.35 million for the Woodland Trust and has helped to create over 309 acres of woodland in the UK - equivalent to the size of the Olympic Village.

IKEA has now committed to support the Woodland Trust for another two years with a new ‘Foot of Forest in your local community’ campaign, whereby IKEA FAMILY members will activate a contribution towards a total donation of £500,000 from IKEA with every swipe of their membership card. IKEA also aim to raise an additional £500,000 through customer contributions at the checkouts of all IKEA stores, where customers will be invited to donate a £1 for a tree to be planted by a community group in the UK. Money raised from both schemes will go towards the Woodland Trust’s ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme.

Janette Wickens from the Woodland Trust says: “As well as the environmental and ecological benefits that woodland provide, people also have a lot to gain from visiting their local woodland. A walk in the woods can give anyone a feeling of peace and tranquility and most of us have fond childhood memories of playing on or around trees. With the support from IKEA we are able to plant more woodland across the UK and ensure that future generations will be able to reap these benefits too”.

Charlie Browne, Sustainability Manager at IKEA, says, “We are really pleased to announce our continued support of the Woodland Trust through the Foot of Forest campaign. IKEA FAMILY members can help by swiping their FAMILY cards in store and everyone else can donate the value of a tree to the ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme by simply donating £1 in store with their shopping. With our valued customer support our ambition is to help plant over 1 million trees in the UK by 2013.”

To encourage more people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, IKEA has also teamed up with the Woodland Trust to provide information on great activities to enjoy in your local woodland. Come along to your local IKEA store to find our more information on what’s happening in your local area.

IKEA will be encouraging customers to consider taking part in the Woodland Trust’s ‘Trees for the Community’ scheme by applying for a free tree pack for their own local community groups at: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ikeacommunitytrees

For more information on the IKEA FAMILY Foot of Forest Campaign visit http://ikea.co.uk