Trees that pay back: International Day of Forests 2026 Posted 21st March 2026 In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21st March as an annual International Day of Forests - a global celebration of one of our most valuable natural resources. This year’s theme, “Forests and economies”, highlights the vital role forests play in supporting livelihoods and driving economic prosperity. It’s a theme that strongly reflects our work at the Forest of Marston Vale Trust. As one of England’s 15 Community Forests, our purpose is to improve the Forest area environmentally, socially and economically - and we see first-hand how trees can deliver real economic value. A powerful return on investment Forests support the economy in many ways - from creating jobs and providing raw materials, to boosting local businesses, improving agricultural productivity, creating opportunities for leisure and recreation, increasing property values and even reducing pressure on healthcare services. Here in the Forest of Marston Vale, these benefits are not just theoretical - they’re measurable. Independent research by Natural Capital Solutions (2024) found that for every £1 invested in creating the Forest, an estimated £18 of value is generated through ecosystem services. A powerful example of how investing in nature pays back. From industrial landscape to thriving visitor destination The Marston Vale area was designated as a Community Forest in 1991 following decades of industrial use. Brickmaking and landfill once dominated the landscape. At the height of brick production, 167 chimneys produced over 500 million bricks each year. Clay extraction for brickmaking left huge pits, many of which became landfill sites – including at one point the highest input landfill site in Europe. The Marston Vale was known for bad smells, poor air quality and a scarred landscape. At that time, the idea that this landscape could become a place for nature, recreation and wellbeing seemed unlikely. Today, thanks to the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, over 2.75 million trees and shrubs have been planted in and around the Forest, increasing tree cover to 16.9%. The result is a thriving leisure economy, with an annual estimated value of £10.1 million - supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and creating spaces people want to spend time in. The growth of agroforestry Around 70% of the Forest area is agricultural land, and one of the ways trees support the local economy is through agroforestry. Put simply, agroforestry means integrating trees into farming - whether that’s planting trees alongside crops, within grazing land, or as hedgerows and orchards. Agroforestry can be used in arable (silvoarable) and livestock (silvopasture) farming, building on traditional land management practices to support and increase agricultural productivity. In the UK, agroforestry can include: Wood pasture Isolated or small clusters of trees in an open, grazed area Traditional orchards Fruit and or nut trees Hedgerows Creating boundaries, stock proofing and providing food Bringing trees into farming systems can: Improve soil health and reduce erosion Help regulate water flow and temperature Protect crops from wind damage Support pollinators and wildlife Provide shade and shelter for livestock Create new income opportunities – trees remove and store carbon from the air (carbon sequestration) and there is a market for carbon units. As farming faces increasing environmental and economic pressures, agroforestry offers a practical way to build resilience while supporting productivity. Health, wellbeing and cost savings The value of forests isn’t just economic in the traditional sense - it also includes the benefits they bring to our health. Access to green space is proven to support both physical and mental wellbeing, helping to reduce anxiety, improve mood and encourage more active lifestyles. The Forest of Marston Vale plays an important role in this, with these health benefits estimated to save the NHS £5.71 million each year. Why forests matter for the wider economy Forests provide what are known as ecosystem services - the essential benefits nature gives us. These include improving air and water quality, reducing flood risk, preventing soil erosion and supporting biodiversity. Without these natural systems, the cost of managing environmental challenges would be far greater - both financially and socially. Trees as sustainable resources Forests also provide renewable materials that support a more sustainable economy. Tree-based materials - such as timber - are versatile, durable and can replace more carbon-intensive alternatives in areas like construction and manufacturing. The trees planted by the Forest of Marston Vale Trust between 1995 and 2024 could produce an estimated 7,631m³ of timber per year through sustainable woodland management, with a potential value of over £400,000. The key here is sustainable woodland management - working with the land as we historically did, keeping our woodlands healthy and thriving with the greatest biodiversity whilst also generating essential raw materials. Using timber and other natural materials also supports a more circular economy, where materials can be reused, recycled or naturally decomposed, reducing reliance on single-use products. People and forests go hand in hand Forests have always supported communities, and that relationship is as important today as ever. With over 54,000 people living within the Forest of Marston Vale and more than a million people within 10 miles, the connection between people, nature and the local economy is clear. By investing in trees and green spaces, we’re not just improving the landscape - we’re supporting healthier communities, stronger local economies and a more sustainable future. Because trees make life better, for people, for nature and for the planet. Manage Cookie Preferences