World Environment Day - Sunday 5th June 2011

Forests: Nature at your service

The theme of this year's World Environment Day is Forests: Nature at your service

Forests cover a third of the world's land surface and are the most biologically diverse habitats, supporting more species than any other habitat.

Across the globe forests provide jobs, shelter and food for people who live in them. However, they are also important for those of us who don't live in woods.

Trees are the lungs of the earth, locking away harmful carbon and releasing oxygen in to the atmosphere.

Escaping in to the woods also helps improve our health and wellbeing. Walking is regarded as one of the best forms of exercise and spending time in woods and other green spaces has been shown to help improve people's mental health and wellbeing. 

Watch the video below to hear David Attenborough explain the importance of forests across the world then scroll down to find out how you can take part in World Environment Day:

Take part in World Environment Day

Visit your local wood or forest

You can support World Environment Day by simply visiting and appreciating your local wood. Enter your postcode or town name in to the search box at the bottom of this page to find your nearest wood.

Tell people about VisitWoods

Help your friends and family to discover the benefits of woods and forests for  themselves by telling them about VisitWoods. Click the buttons below to share VisitWoods via Facebook and Twitter

Tell us what lives in your local woods

Download this free nature recording guide and recording form and go hunting for nature in your local woods. You'll be amazed at just how much life there is in even the smallest of woods. When you've finished, record what you've seen on nature's calendar.

Plant more trees

The UK is one of the least wooded countries in the world. Find out how you could help by planting more trees