Thread by @WoodlandTrust

🧵Today is #CleanAirDay.

#AirPollution not only impacts human health but also the health of our woods and trees. Addressing air pollution is vital to protect and restore our ecosystems🌳

@cleanairdayuk

#Nitrogen air pollution is a significant issue for UK woods. According to the #StateOfWoodsAndTrees report 100% of woodlands in England exceed the nitrogen critical load – all will have deteriorated as a result.

woodlandtrust.org.uk/state-of-uk-wo…

Bushy grey beard #lichens were once far more abundant, but are sensitive to #AirQuality. They act as miniature forests on trunks and branches, where invertebrates live and birds forage. They’ve also been found to have anti-growth effects on human cancer cells!

Lungwort #lichens were also more widespread on trees across Britain but now only persist in the cleanest air of the north and west – such as the Trust’s Loch Arkaig in Scotland, Bovey Valley in Dartmoor, and Coed Hafod-y-Llyn in Snowdonia.

Many are extinct across central Europe.

On the #woodland floor nitrogen-tolerant plants like stickyweed and nettles increasingly dominate as sensitive species disappear. Many of the life-supporting fungi that live on tree roots also decline with high nitrogen #pollution, leading to greater vulnerability to stressors.

Acting on #AirPollution can offer a ‘win-win-win’ strategy for the climate, people and nature.

Trees can be part of the solution - helping improve air quality in urban and rural settings, whilst also providing food and shelter for local wildlife woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-an…

Tackling #AirPollution in all its forms will make all our lives better, now and in the future🌍

Learn more about how #trees can tackle air pollution and how you can help keep wildlife - and people - healthy👇

woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-an…