Trees for Health - Reconnecting People and Plants

Welcome!

Trees for Health is a voluntary run organisation based in South Devon, aiming to help foster healthy communities and healthy ecosystems by revitalising our use and knowledge of woodland.

Our aims include:

To revive the use of native woodland and hedgerow species as herbal remedies and food products.
To revitalise traditional ecological knowledge of plants, folklore, mythology and festivals.
To provide opportunities for people to experience woodland through workshops, volunteer activities and community events.
To restore native woodland where appropriate.
To highlight and promote the health and healing effects of seeing, experiencing and working with trees & woodland.

Our work takes place in South Devon but we aim to create a network of collaborating projects within local communities.

Humans have historically depended on plants for food, medicine, shelter and materials. Plants have also played a significant role in our mythologies, beliefs and religions so that our history is interwoven with their history. Trees in particular have been integral to our culture yet today we place far less importance on our connection with them.

How can trees and other woodland, hedgerow and ‘wild’ plants become important in a way that is relevant for our lives today?

Tropical rainforests are known to hold valuable medicines that were familiar to indigenous people for thousands of years.
Our Celtic ancestors had a vast knowledge of how each tree could offer shelter, energy, food and medicine.
Some trees in Great Britain are still used in herbal medicine and flower remedies.
There is great potential to revitalise our inherited wisdom – the cultural and healing value of trees and other species.
Much evidence points to the direct health benefits of experiencing trees. Just seeing trees can reduce our stress levels and blood pressure but activity in woodland can reduce the risk of developing serious illness! (Forestry Commission).

TREES CAN HELP TO FOSTER
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES AND HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS!

Woodland is not only crucial for our health but can also be a focus for education, livelihood and recreation, thereby bringing local communities together. Ecologically trees are invaluable for our future and the future of the Earth. At one time Britain was a forested landscape but now fragmented woodland accounts for less than 12% of land area. Trees provide wildlife habitat, beautiful landscapes, improve air quality, prevent flooding and soil erosion and reduce the impact of climate change.

Home - Trees are Good for You - Tree Planting & Restoration
Tree Foods & Remedies - Education - Activities & Events - Contact Us
Get involved - Donating & Fundraising - Poetry - Interesting Links

Pages created by Aranya: www.aranyagardens.co.uk