The importance of being a tree

I love Trees.

And in the urban areas where I spend my working days they are really important. They soften the hard landscapes, bring colour and structure, are home and food store for lots of creatures, are an ever changing delight through the seasons, provide welcome shade when it’s hot (it does happen here sometimes), and absorb CO2 and release oxygen.

So the recent announcement of funding (details to come) towards a Forest of the North (a concept rather than one big forest) is to be welcomed.

There are three people in this shot. One - is it Wally ? - is hiding.