Trees have always offered quiet comfort.
Now they are being embraced as a climate solution too.
A new national survey has revealed overwhelming public support for planting more trees across Scotland.
Eighty-two percent of people agreed that trees are good because they remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their wood.
And 81 percent said they would like to see a lot more trees planted to help tackle climate change.
The research, carried out by Forest Research every two years, explores how people across the country view forestry and the role it plays in daily life.
More than 90 percent of respondents agreed there is at least one good reason for forestry to be supported with public money.
Creating space for wildlife and cutting carbon were the most popular choices.
Scotland’s forests and woodlands are already delivering huge benefits.
They generate more than £1.1 billion for the economy each year and support around 34,000 jobs.
They also provide vital habitat for 172 priority species and offer a green escape for people across the country.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the results show a growing connection between the public and the role of trees in tackling both climate and nature emergencies.
“It is really promising to see that the general public is connecting the message that trees are important in tackling climate change and reducing nature loss,” she said.
“This aligns with our goals to expand Scotland’s forests and woodlands in a sensitive way, getting the right tree in the right place and engaging with communities.”
Brendan Callaghan of Scottish Forestry also welcomed the results.
He said they reflect a growing awareness that investing in well-managed forests brings long-term benefits for people, nature and the climate.
“This survey underlines the public’s understanding that investing in forestry is an investment in a greener, healthier and more prosperous Scotland for current and future generations,” he said.
The survey also showed a strong interest in forest visits.
Ninety percent of people said they had visited a woodland in the last 12 months.
And of those who did, 77 percent said the experience had helped their mental health.
Public awareness of forestry in the media is also rising, with 62 percent of respondents recalling recent coverage.
Tree planting was the most mentioned topic.
People seem more aware than ever of what forests can offer.
A breath of fresh air.
A sense of calm.
And a clear way forward.
