Can't See the Woods

It is a good idea to plant trees inorder to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, as one aid to achieving control of global heating. I appreciate that the Covid-19 pandemic, has resulted in other problems being prioritised. It is still disappointing, however, to read that the UK Forestry Commission (they work in the open air), achieved less than 10% of its target for planting 30,000 hectares in the year ending March 2020. It is also saddening that their mantra still seems to be 'count the trees, rather than worry about their qualities' (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/23/row-over-uk-tree-planting-drive-we-want-the-right-trees-in-the-right-place). The Forestry Commission are currently being attacked by a variety of conservation groups, for their non-native, conifer-dominated planting policies. Inappropriate tree planting clearly damages peatlands (such as a location in Cumbria, where the Forestry Commission now admits it should not have put in conifers), in spite of peatlands being important 'carbon sinks'. The Forestry Commission's planting policies also imperil rare species and habitats in other locations. This is clearly illustrated by the collective decision of Plantlife, Butterfly Conservation and the Dorset Wildlife Trust (who are expert about the locality), to object to the Commission's plan to replant Dorset's Wareham Forest with conifers. I (and many others) have said it before, but we need to say it again, "We certainly need more trees, but we need the right trees in the right places".