Introducing Tree Talk with… Karen Hands
With an early career working as an engineer involved in environmental improvement projects, Karen is today a CFT Trustee and community forestry advocate.
I hope that we can allow nature to help us find the path through the climate emergency to a place of safety, where we and our multitude of native species can continue to thrive.
How did you become involved in the world of community forestry?
I spotted the vacancy for a Trustee on the Women on Boards UK website and thankfully my application was successful.
Community Forestry ticks the boxes for me: helping nature to improve our landscapes and encouraging people to enjoy the fresh air, flora and fauna on their doorstep.
Please tell us a little more about your interest in community forestry that led you to becoming a Trustee for CFT?
In my early career, I worked as an engineer and was heavily involved in environmental improvement projects. However, my career developed in a different direction after that, and it was only during the first Covid-19 lockdown that I reflected on the need to become more closely involved in activities that help the planet again.
Community Forestry ticks the boxes for me: helping nature to improve our landscapes and encouraging people to enjoy the fresh air, flora and fauna on their doorstep.
What are your future hopes for trees and forestry?
I hope that we can allow nature to help us find the path through the climate emergency to a place of safety, where we and our multitude of native species can continue to thrive.
What are you most excited by currently in the world of community forestry?
The way in which people all over the UK - and the Western world - have started to realise how important it is to be able to connect with nature. Community forestry plays a big part in greening urban spaces and we've increasingly got public opinion on our side. It's a great place from which to develop.
What do you think will make the biggest difference in the next 5 years?
Commitment from local and national government, industry and the general public to give space back to nature, for our personal enjoyment and to help overcome some of the worst impacts of climate change. Trees can lower the temperature in our concrete cities and help protect us from flooding, as well as lifting our spirits and reminding us of our place in the fragile global ecosystem.
Do you have any recommendations for anyone who would like to get more involved in community forestry in their local area?
Please find out what's happening locally and spend time in your local forest if you have one. Your Local Authority should be able to tell you if there are plans if there's currently no green space in your area.
Where do you enjoy going for a walk and do you have any recommendations for fab places that people can experience woodlands?
I live near a number of country parks which were created in the former mining communities around Hemsworth in West Yorkshire. The extent to which nature has reclaimed what was a seriously industrial landscape is inspiring. Nowadays you might find me foraging for blackberries and sloes whilst admiring the occasional red kite that flies over from National Trust parkland at Nostell.
Trees can lower the temperature in our concrete cities and help protect us from flooding, as well as lifting our spirits and reminding us of our place in the fragile global ecosystem.
Do you have a favourite tree?
My landmark tree is at the top of a steep climb on my favourite bike ride past Wintersett Reservoir. It tells me that the best view around is almost within sight!
Wintersett Reservoir
You can find out more about the parkland at Nostell on the National Trust website