Hope for the Future invites you to join panel discussion about the preservation of local woodlands

National climate communication charity, Hope for the Future, is inviting the public to join a panel discussion about the preservation of local woodlands with the MP for Hemel Hempstead and a local councillor.

Hope for the Future have teamed up with Hemel Quakers, Carey Baptist Eco Church and a wider group of volunteers to organise the event - ‘Woodlands for All: Is it time to branch out in Hemel Hempstead?’ - which will take place from 12.30pm till 2.15pm on Thursday, April 22.

Over the last year, many have discovered how important nature and woodlands are for our mental health and general wellbeing. In fact, spending time in woods and forests is proven to boost our health and wellbeing.

This online event will bring together experts, politicians, campaigners and community members from across Hemel Hempstead to look at how we can ensure that woodlands are available and accessible to everyone.

Eileen Martin, Hemel Hempstead resident and local event group member, said: "Our dream is to give a new identity to Hemel Hempstead as a Woodland Town, bringing life and giving healthy energy from nature to all who live here."

Woods are not just beautiful places to visit, according to the Woodland Trust, they are home to more wildlife than any other landscape. The UK's woodland has some of our richest habitats, providing homes for thousands of species including many of our mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates.

Expert speakers will set out the social, environmental and economic benefits of ensuring woodlands are considered in our urban and rural environments.

This event will focus on Hemel Hempstead, but speakers bring their expertise from across the UK. From these experiences, this event will cover what individuals, organisations and our elected representatives can do at every level.

Hemel Hempstead MP Sir Mike Penning and councillor William Wyatt-Lowe will also be in attendance to answer questions from constituents.

Other guest speakers include:

- Tim Hill - Conservation Manager, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

- Kathryn McCann - Sustainability Team, Ethical Reading

- Natalie Ganpatsingh - Director, Nature Nurture

- Owen Pugh - Government Affairs Officer, Woodland Trust

- Dr Sarah Clement - Lecturer in Environmental Planning and Management, University of Liverpool

- Dennis Furnell, Conservationist.

One of the local organisers, Christine Ridley, said: "Eventually we would like to see legislation concerned with preserving and improving green spaces, including woodlands and green corridors tightened in the UK, so they are accessible for the enjoyment and wellbeing of all our citizens and for the preservation of our wildlife’."

The event is free to attend, though places are limited, you can register for tickets on Eventbrite.