Main content

The Tree Trade

Planting more trees is good for the environment and big business too, especially in rural areas. Chris Bowlby looks at the future of forestry in Northumberland.

Politicians keep promising more trees – seen as good for the environment and for fighting climate change. Trees are also big business sustaining vital rural jobs. So will lots of new planting keep everyone happy? Chris Bowlby explores forestry’s future in one of its key locations – Northumberland. He visits the huge forest at Kielder, and a rural factory turning thousands of logs into essential materials for millions of British homes. But there are problems too – a thicket of bureaucracy surrounding planting, and questions about what sort of trees really do bring environmental gain.

Presenter: Chris Bowlby
Producer: John Murphy

Release date:

Available now

28 minutes

Podcast