Trees - the Very Essence of Life on Earth

So often, the constant presence of trees and the important role they play in our lives and survival, are taken for granted by us mere mortals. Since time immemorial, trees have been a vital nurturing force in our evolution , benefiting our environment, providing us with medicines, and inspiring myths and legends from times long ago. Their serenity and beauty provides seasonal character to the landscape and peaceful refuge from the demands of daily living, in providing us with a wall of shelter from the sweeping snow and winds of winter, woodland areas, in which we can quietly walk in Spring, a shaded spot in which to sit and watch the World go by, in the height of Summer, and a beautiful splash of natural, warm colours in Autumn. In fact, they depict the ever-turning, Wheel of Life.

Not only is their cycle and beauty of import to us, but their necessity and role in our environment. Trees constantly cleanse and refresh the very air we breathe, by absorbing harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which they utilise, releasing oxygen back into the air; and by filtering and trapping smoke, dust, and ash which pollutes our air, reducing the effects of global warming and enabling much of life on our Planet, to survive and thrive. In the instance of floods and heavy rainfall, trees again, work their magic. Not only do they absorb water, aiding flood prevention, but also help disperse rainfall over a more even area. By retaining water, trees help reduce the amount of silt and topsoil washed into our sewers and streams by excess water. Their fallen leaves hold moisture close to the ground, aiding growth and trapping chemicals, preventing pollution of lakes and rivers.

A number of trees provide us with nourishment in the fruits they bear, which contain vitamins, and others are a constant source of medicine for us. The first wheel was made from the wood the tree provides. Indeed, since Ancient Times, trees have taken an important place in history and folklore, including Herne the Hunter and the Oak, the Apple Tree in the Garden of Eden, and the Cedar, dwelling place of the gods. Tolkien writes in his 'Lord of the Rings' books, of large trees which greatly assist the forces of good and trees are said to house various "Tree Spirits", and provide many legends and tales for days long gone. In fact, trees provide the very paper on which this lore and legend is written. Trees attract birds, squirrels and other wildlife, and provide them also with shelter, protection and food. Wildlife which is not only important in our lives for survival purposes but sounds, and improvement to our natural landscape. What would life be without the 'Dawn Chorus', the mooing of cows and the bleating of the sheep; the sound of horses' hooves as they trot past our homes? The gamboling of new lambs in the springtime and the squirrels collecting their nuts in Autumn, also give us moments of awe and wonder.

So give a thought to trees and the role they play in our lives, for it is surely our duty to ensure that, as well as our ancestors and ourselves, it is important that our children and future generations are able to enjoy the benefits they give us.