In the book of Proverbs we read: “a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children”. In these days of global de-forestation, trees and forests may be a truly precious inheritance to leave for our children and grand-children.
In Sue Hanley’s article, we read of how trees can affect the local water supplies. In many countries today, such huge quantities of trees and forests are being cut down, that not only are the local water supplies and climate changing, but the whole world’s climate is being affected.
In planting trees ourselves, and in encouraging our communities to plant trees, we are improving our own lives in the future, at the same time as ensuring that there will be a pleasant future for our children. Trees improve the quality of our lives, by providing shade and beauty, fuel, fodder, fruit, timber, paper and many other things, in addition to protecting the soil from erosion and water loss. We hope this issue of Footsteps will help you to reflect on the value of trees and encourage you to plant, and care for, more trees.
Isabel Carter