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Abstract:
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"Since World War II, many of the United Kingdom's native woods have been felled and replaced with non-native conifers for fast timber production. The dense growth of conifers prevents light from reaching the woodland floor and therefore reduces biodiversity. Less than 12 percent of the UK's landmass consists of woodland cover, compared to a European average of 44 percent. Only 8 percent of the woods the UK does have are native British trees. In light of mounting evidence of the important mental health benefits of living near trees as well as the growing threat of climate change, the UK has made the first steps toward addressing its shortage of native trees."
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