When I was a little girl, my best friend was a plum tree. Reflecting on it now, I think it’s fair to say that my bond with trees goes way back. I grew up in the heart of Istanbul, not in a rural retreat surrounded by nature, but even so, there were many trees in the garden of our apartment. There was a fig tree, a walnut tree, a pomegranate tree, and my favourite, the plum tree. It was easy to climb, and I could lie on one of its branches with my hands and legs hanging down like a sloth. It felt more like a refuge to me. When I had enough of all the chaos in the house, I could simply go to my friend, lie on that branch, watch people pass by without noticing me up in the tree, and if it was the right season, munch on delicious sour plums until I had a tummy ache. Being inside that tree, hugging the branch, felt like the safest place on earth.
And trees indeed have feelings. I know this because I regularly communicate with them. (Do I look like a mad woman enough yet, or should I start carrying around a cauldron for effect?) Forest bathing is my favourite weekend activity. I wake up early and take a train trip to a different forest (within a day-trip distance), spending time with the trees. Depending on my mood that weekend, the interaction can be quite intense. I always wonder: if I can feel this emotional in an average forest, how would I feel standing and looking at the thick, lush green canopy of the Amazon rainforest? I hope one day to make a trip to that part of the world.
Beyond their aesthetic beauty and calming effect on the mind, forests play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. They act as the lungs of the Earth, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus mitigating the impacts of climate change. They provide habitat for countless species of plants and animals, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance.
Yet, despite the benefits they provide, forests confront numerous threats, with deforestation emerging as one of the most pressing issues of our time. The constant clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging not only disrupts ecosystems but also worsens climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. Deforestation also jeopardizes the livelihoods of indigenous communities who rely on forests for their sustenance and cultural practices.
It’s like what Richard Powers said about trees: “What you make from a tree should be at least as miraculous as what you cut down.” But the sad truth is, that most of the stuff we make doesn’t even come close to being as amazing or beautiful as a tree.
There are challenges, yes. But there is hope too. Efforts towards forest regeneration and conservation are gaining momentum worldwide. From reforestation initiatives to sustainable land management practices, individuals and organisations are coming together to protect and restore our forests. The only way we can guarantee that future generations will inherit a world rich in forests and biodiversity is by backing these actions and promoting sustainable forest methods.
There is a profound connection between humans and nature. Just as the plum tree provided solace and refuge during moments of chaos, forests, too, offer a sanctuary for the soul and a source of renewal for the planet. Nurturing our bond with trees and advocating for their protection, we not only maintain the health of our environment but also cultivate a deeper sense of interconnectedness with the natural world.
*I might write about the best forest walks in and around Berlin in my next article. It could be a little guide for those in need of some forest-bathing therapy. Until then, you can start by taking a trip to Grunewald. Happy exploring!