Introducing Tree Talk with... Will Baldwin-Cantello

Will is currently the Chief Adviser on Forests for WWF's UK office, developing new programmes and research as part of our global effort to end deforestation and restore forests, he is also a Trustee for the Community Forest Trust.

 
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I have always had a passion for woodlands, my first formal involvement in Community Forestry was actually in Malawi.

 

How did you become involved in the world of community forestry?

Although I have always had a passion for woodlands, my first formal involvement in Community Forestry was actually in Malawi. There, I worked for a small charity who helped villages establish formal rights to manage local woodlands for income and natural resources.

I led a research project that deepened our understanding of how culture and values influenced the way communities perceived their woodland and how that affected the way organisations like ours could best support communities to manage their woodlands sustainably.

 
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I have been able to see and hear of the role that England’s community forests play in forest conservation and restoration and social development.

 

Please tell us a little more about your interest in community forestry that led you to becoming a Trustee for CFT?

I have continued to work on forests overseas, and community forestry as part of that. But increasingly I have tried to draw connections and parallels to woods in the UK, and to learn more about how we can create a better future for forests and communities in my own country.

Having for many years been an adviser to the Woodland Trust, I have been able to see and hear of the role that England’s community forests play in forest conservation and restoration and social development. I was delighted to see an opportunity open to become a trustee in an organisation aiming to spearhead the greater recognition and investment in these valuable community forests.

What are your future hopes for trees and forestry?

Globally, our ability to address the climate and biodiversity crises depends on reversing decades of loss of forests and reaching a situation where deforestation has halted and forest cover is growing at scale once more. In that context, the UK and particularly England has a key role to play by being part of that expansion. If we use the right engagement and plant the right tree in the right place we can support thriving wildlife, thriving communities and benefit from a stable climate.

 
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Globally, our ability to address the climate and biodiversity crises depends on reversing decades of loss of forests and reaching a situation where deforestation has halted and forest cover is growing at scale once more.

 

What are you most excited by currently in the world of community forestry?

The next decades will see a growing focus on putting control of forests into local hands. In places like the Amazon and the Congo Basin, the scope for this is enormous and we must uphold the traditional rights of indigenous peoples here.

In a place like the UK, the scale of our ambition to restore forests is so vast that it can’t be delivered by private or public sector alone and community forestry will be an increasing part of how we reach out ambition. In doing so it can help connect people to nature, boost wellbeing and support the development of skills.

What do you think will make the biggest difference in the next 5 years?

Trust and investment in our community forests. They are essential for delivery so let’s see communities, policy makers and businesses back them.

Do you have any recommendations for anyone who would like to get more involved in community forestry in their local area?

Don’t wait! If you are tempted, go for it and you won’t regret it.

I have also focused a lot of time in promoting the health benefits of spending time in woodlands and other natural spaces. I know as we are now deep into an exhausting and worrying pandemic, we are saddened, tired and stressed. This may put people off taking on new opportunities like this, but I would say it is also an ideal way to begin a healing process and support a positive future.

Where do you enjoy going for a walk and do you have any recommendations for fab places that people can experience woodlands?

My family and I live in Bath and one of the reasons we chose this area was because the city is blessed with woods, a river and other natural spaces within easy reach.

Close to us we enjoy walking, running and playing in Rainbow Woods, managed by the National Trust. But we also frequently visit our national arboretum at Westonbirt – which has a stunning Autumn display well worth a visit.

Do you have a favourite tree?

My son’s middle name is Oak and we love the way that tree represents strength and wisdom. But I am also a huge fan of hawthorns – perhaps an unsung hero! Their blossom is wonderful in spring and they are so often quivering with birds enjoying their shelter.

 
 
Jo Gamble