WORLD TREE NEWS

An old yew tree of major literary and spiritual importance was axed by Swindon Borough Council when no-one was around to stop the destruction.

An international project started in 2005 to raise awareness for the Russian Taiga, including community-based harvesting of sustainable forest products.

In 2006, the UK was the second highest importer of illegal timber – after Finland which acts as Europe’s hub for illegal timber coming via China and Russia.

Forest time reduces the level of stress chemicals in the body, boosts the immune system and hence helps to ward off viruses, bacteria and even tumours.

Beneath a spruce tree in Sweden scientists found ancient spruce remains (cones and wood) of the same genetic make-up, pointing to a vast age for this tree.

The oldest authenticated DNA was recovered from ancient biological material, helping to reconstruct past habitats eliminated by natural climate change.