Reader Reflection: In a Nutshell

 "Make every tree a wanted tree."

The quote above (Sinden, 1989, p. 10) really stood out to me when reading an extract of In a Nutshell: Manifesto for Trees and a Guide to Growing and Protecting Them. This reader certainly reiterates my own feelings towards protecting and valuing trees more than our society already does. Many people simply do not understand the value of trees, not only ecologically, but to the people who've lived their lives around these trees. You can also consider, 'how many historical events has this tree seen?'. Although trees don't have eyes or nervous systems (that we know of!), I believe that considering how many historical events or generations they have loved through is a great way of giving trees personality and ensuring people value them enough to care for and keep them. Another point in this reader which many people don't consider is reducing their paper usage and recycling it where possible. We still, even in the digital age, use copious volumes of paper which is produced and linked directly to trees, using less paper is a simple way of saving many trees. It should however be mentioned the equally consuming nature of running computer systems for cloud storage and emails alone. There were some points in this, such as mentioning ancient woodlands and orchards which I think are incredibly important. Modern cultures still seem to believe that cutting down an older tree and replacing it with younger trees is justified. I believe that a more staggered approach could be adopted such as planting younger trees while the larger tree is still alive, ready for them to take over when the larger tree falls or dies. Not to mention the immense importance of protecting older and more rare varieties, and the importance of more intra-species and plant genetic diversity to increase resilience against disease and changing climates. Overall, considering this book was written in 1989, I don't believe that the attitude toward how we value and care for trees has changed much at all to the modern day. 

Reference:

Sinden, N. (1989). In a Nutshell: Manifesto for Trees and a Guide to Growing and Protecting Them. UK: Common Ground.