Many habitats unsuitable for tree plantations were permanently destroyed, such as ancient marshes and bogs, as tax incentives were offered to those wealthy enough to turn land over to plantations. These plantations failed in the long term owing to the inability of the soils to support timber.

More mixed woodlands are being planted as the impacts of single species woodland and the lack of their biodiversity have become apparent.

Water

Forests act like sponges soaking up the rainfall preventing it running off into rivers and seas carrying silt from the land. They regulate water flow and maintain freshwater supplies. Acid rain not only kills trees but also affects lakes and rivers reducing their ability to support life.

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