International Day of Forests

International Day of Forests History

International Day of Forests seeks to raise awareness about the vital role of forests in preserving our planet's biodiversity and combating climate change. Forests are a main element in global sustainability, sequestering carbon, cleaning our air and water, and providing habitat for countless species. The observance underlines the importance of sustainable forest management, conservation, and the sustainable use of woodland resources.

The UN General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Forests in 2012. In the UK context, forests hold a pivotal role in the country’s ecological, socio-economic, and cultural aspects. Ancient woodland, a significant element of UK's heritage, makes up only 2% of land area now. The observance emphasizes the need to protect these woods and the biodiversity they support. Woodlands also provide leisure opportunities, enhance mental well-being, and contribute to the economy through timber production and tourism.

In the UK, the International Day of Forests encourages activities including tree planting, educational exhibitions, and forest and woodland walks. Many NGOs, government bodies and communities engage in activities that promote public awareness about the importance and benefits of forests. Schools organise educational activities to instil value for trees and woodland in younger generations. The UK marks the International Day of Forests annually on March 21, aligning with other nations to highlight the world's concern for global forest health.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 International Day of Forests in the UK

• The United Nations has designated the theme for the 2026 observance as Forests and Economies, a choice intended to highlight how sustainable woodland management drives national prosperity and supports the global transition toward a carbon-neutral bioeconomy.
• A major highlight for the UK audience this year is the announcement of the Forgotten Forests garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, which uses an immersive design to illustrate the urgent need to restore the UK’s ancient woodlands that were historically replaced by commercial plantations.
• Many people in the United Kingdom are surprised to learn that the country is home to rare pockets of temperate rainforest, also known as the Atlantic rainforest, a highly biodiverse habitat found along the western coast that is currently the focus of major conservation and expansion efforts.
• Statistics from the Forestry Commission reveal that UK forests store approximately 4,000 million tonnes of carbon, with a significant 70% of this total held within the forest soil rather than the trees themselves.
• The tallest tree currently recorded in the United Kingdom is a Douglas fir located near Betws-y-Coed in Wales, reaching a staggering height of over 67.5 metres.
• Although woodland cover in the UK has increased to roughly 13%, only 2.5% of the land is classified as ancient woodland, and conservationists are increasingly using the day to advocate for the protection of these "irreplaceable" ecosystems.
• The Forestry Commission is marking the lead-up to the event with its Put trees to work roadshow, which provides landowners with expert advice on how to integrate tree planting into their business models to benefit both the environment and the local economy.
• A recent report by the Action Oak initiative highlights that over 300 different species of wildlife are completely dependent on the native English oak, making its health a critical indicator for the success of UK biodiversity targets.
• Later this year, the forestry sector will mark a significant milestone with the 50th anniversary of the APF Exhibition, the United Kingdom's largest trade show for woodland management and arboriculture, held at the Ragley Estate in Warwickshire.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day of Forests

Top things to do in the UK for International Day of Forests

• Watch the 2020 International Day of Forest's virtual program if you missed it.
• Share your favorite photo of a forest or plant with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN by emailing it to idf@fao.org. The UN will add it to a combined gallery of everyone’s pictures around the world!
• Explore the Epping Forest: Located between London and Essex, this ancient woodland is open to the public for recreational activities. You can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding or even foraging. During International Day of Forests, special activities and exhibits could also be available.
• Read a book to learn more about Forests in United Kingdom:
  The New Sylva: A Discourse of Forest and Orchard Trees for the Twenty-First Century - by Gabriel Hemery and Sarah Simblet
  The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World - by Peter Wohlleben (While this isn't specifically about UK forests, it is a revolutionary look at trees in general)