Introduction

Trees have significant impacts on rural and urban landscapes and contribute to our heritage, ecosystems, rural economy and wellbeing. The National Ecosystem Assessment highlighted the important contribution trees and forests make to society and the environment through the ecosystem services they provide and their direct economic and social amenity value. Trees can also help to mitigate climate change by capturing and storing carbon. Research into the preservation of the health of trees, woodlands and forests, and associated interactions with the environment, economy and society has the potential to be of great benefit.

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