In his new book, The Great Tree Story, the British explorer, author and photographer Levison Wood explores the profound influence forests have had on our planet and civilisation from their vital role in our past to their importance for our future

A new Exeter University study argues that in conditions of extreme climate uncertainty, the rewards of tree planting outweigh the risks.

It’s easy to measure our work by the number of trees planted; working with communities to grow trees is why we exist. But if we only count trees, we miss the bigger picture.

Test your knowledge on the theme of trees

When France banned pesticides in cemeteries, Head Curator or the Ivry Cemetery, on the fringes of Paris, Benoît Gallot was sceptical. But the difference inspired a whole new way of life.

At ITF we’re all wrapping up for a well-earned Christmas break. I end the year with deep appreciation for our hardworking team.

Across Uganda’s degraded hillsides, the land is barren and broken. Strong winds tear down homes. Landslides claim lives. Rivers burst their banks, destroying everything in their path. “The hills are too fragile and the land is too bare, it is prone to landslides and soil erosion.”

On the far western edge of Uganda lie the Rwenzori Mountains. From the district town of Kasese you take a road that follows the Nyamwamba River up into the mountains. The views as you climb are stunning. At around 3,000 metres above sea level you’ll reach Mbunga and will find a one-roomed office with a tin roof.

The Rwenzori Mountains are sometimes referred to as the mountain of the moon. On the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, these mountains host diverse landscapes from snow-capped peaks to lush montane forests and moorlands. But decades of deforestation means that vast areas of the land are prone to floods and landslides.

Daniel Misaki lives in Western Uganda where the beautiful, mountainous landscape is deeply degraded. Daniel is from a family of poachers in Uganda. But now his mission in life is to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Earlier this year one of ITF’s supporters asked me what has gone wrong and what have we learnt from it. This simple question caused me to reflect on the fact that we often highlight the successes. But every success story is built on lessons from the challenges that came before.

This autumn promises to be a memorable one. An abundance of nuts and seeds and it is set to be a spectacular year for autumn colours.

With limited sources of revenue due to dwindling income from tea and coffee sales, avocado farming has become a sustainable source of household income in Embu. One tree can produce up to 1,000 fruits each harvest.

Max joins an expert in entomology to asses the difference trees are making at two of ITF’s projects in Oxfordshire.

Reputable, well-known companies are constantly asking, how cheap can you go? This isn’t just missing the point. It’s actively damaging ecosystems.

Like many women in her community, Vivian Chepkemoi struggled to grow enough food for her family. Prolonged droughts and dry conditions meant there was never much to show for her toil. But training on dryland farming techniques is proving transformational.

Travel should create memories, not a massive carbon footprint. Read our 10 thoughtful tweaks to make your trip greener and more considerate to the planet.

Paul Kihato, Africa Programme Support Officer, visits our projects across Uganda and is astonished to see the difference trees are making for schoolchildren, from rest at lunchtime to a boost for science lessons.

In the hills of Western Uganda, climate change is more than just a global concern, it's a daily reality. For communities already grappling with economic hardship, the added pressure of landslides, floods and erratic rainfall makes survival even more difficult. And for people living with disabilities, these challenges are magnified.

Forests are the beating heart of our planet. Yet the decisions governments make – on finance, land use and climate policy – push them closer to collapse.