Traditionally, scientists like me have mainly communicated their knowledge to other scientists. But the threats to forests now demand that we share our knowledge beyond the ivory tower. We must engage groups whose diverse perspectives can enhance the critical connections within forests, and between forests and people. Woodturners are a perfect example of such groups.

Guest article from Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, forest ecologist and woodturner.

RAIN has recently connected with the “4 PER 1000 initiative”. The aim of the initiative is to demonstrate that agriculture, and in particular agricultural soils can play a crucial role where food security and climate change are concerned. It acknowledges that an annual growth rate of 0.4% in the soil carbon stocks, or 4% per year, in the 30-40 cm top layer of soil, would significantly reduce the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere related to human activities.

The Lewes Tree Summit brings together experts and enthusiasts to carefully look at the woods and the trees.

A green-fingered and well-rooted collective of over 100 people put their heads together to think and talk about the future of forestry in the region.

It was the first of its kind, and by the end of the day it had enthusiastically been recast as an annual event

- so not just sustainable but renewable.

The project, led by St Brendan’s Geography teacher Sophie Preece and Danny Diskin, founder of the Regenerative Agroforestry Impact Network (RAIN) brings together a group of environmental experts, enthusiasts, land owners and researchers.