Restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest Alan Watson Featherstone TEDxFindhorn

Nearly 30 years ago, Alan Watson-Featherstone, founder of Trees for Life treesforlife.org.uk/ stood in the Universal Hall and in front of 300 people made a life-long commitment to restore the ancient Caledonian Forest.
He started with no resources, no knowledge, no access to land, no funds, but his passion and inspiration have carried him forward and now Trees for Life not only helps nature to restore the Scottish Highlands - it also helps people reconnect with their spirit, with hope and with the land.
Alan's talk also includes a wide range of his photography illustrating both the damage to the land and the difference our work makes.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@atozzzzzzmo]

my dad said that he was devastated when returning from the war to find that 2/3 of trees in Scotland had been used in the war effort

[@coppertopv365]

That is Sad.

[@MichaelMartin-rw5fi]

Ironically, these days, military installations are pretty good at reclamation.

[@Frillar]

thats a myth. scotlands native forest cover hasn't really changed much since the 1600s. people had been clearing trees since the advent of agriculture, by the 1600s pretty much everything that was worth clearig/felling, had been. the patches that survived are in places that aren't suitable for agriculture or grazing.

[@coppertopv365]

@@Frillar the Sheer amount of Grazing animals, Including Sheep eating Everything to nubs dont help. If there was a predator like a small mountain lion population it would spread an move the over abundance of Deer, and other wild animals. Reduction of Sheep and switching field to lay fallow every few years would help some, especially in getting trees to start and getting the grass and stuff to begin growing

[@Frillar]

@@coppertopv365 i assume you mean lynx. anyway, those types of apex predators require a large range. We don't currently have the habitat to accomadate the required number of those types of animals needed to even make a dent on deer numbers, or change their behaviours. In the immediate term the easier and more viable soloution is to increase the amount of deer we cull. Humans have been the primary predator of deer since we first encountered them. Not sure why some people are so eager to outsource the job to wolfs and cats. A human killing a deer is just as natural as mountain lion or a wolf killing one.

[@katman734]

There's a popular Chinese proverb that says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

[@JacopoSkydweller]

That's applicable to a heck of a lot more than trees. We as human tend to sink into "I should have done this, should have been better, all in the past. We can't change the past, only today. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present". ~Master Oogway

[@hoola_amigos]

ArE yOu teLLiNG mE tHAt tHe seCOnD bESt TimE iS NOT 15 yEArs aGO?

[@sh-hg4eg]

There's a popular English proverb that says the exact same thing. It says "Better late than never". No need to go to other side of the planet to find a saying that we already have.

[@TheOneWhoMightBe]

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."

[@jamesmorel1052]

A society grows greater when young men too, plant trees, in who’s shade they know shall sit a further five, ten or even twenty generations

[@mohammedhassanakbari6722]

Why dont you introduce wolves, so as to keep the deer on move continuously, and that way they will not stick too long in one place and the forest recovers, like in Yellowstone.

[@JustClaude13]

@@mohammedhassanakbari6722 Lynx is a good start. They can take down young deer, so the deer won't stay where lynx are hunting.

[@TheHonestPeanut]

@Ryan Plethra Just making the world better for everyone. What a bunch of dicks.

[@bikesqump]

that was supposed to be figuratively but I like it literally even better!

[@inregionecaecorum]

I have adopted about half an acre of flood plain in Coventry and over the last year have been actively managing that to promote the regeneration of woodland after decades of neglect.

[@kevinbyrne4538]

Thank you for your efforts !

[@tweekedmobb1789]

booyakasha 🙏

[@alohasunshine]

That is so awesome!

[@secrets2youth]

Kudos to you. I am hoping to purchase land after the selling of a house although my housemate /co- house owner is not agreeing with me anymore.

[@cyrilthom9788]

Adopted, you got it for free? 😍

[@mrjumbly2338]

My week spent planting trees in the Caledonian forest Circa 1996 was life changing, I spilled many tears thinking of all I have loved and for the people that I would come to know. Those trees I plated then are now setting seed. Bless you all.

[@HrRezpatex]

One of the important things predators does, is that they make herbivores move around. As long as the herbivores are forced to move around, they will not eat the ground completely down before they move on. If they dont, they will eat it completely down and start to create step landscapes.

[@2DReanimation]

Exactly! They are completely essential! unless we humans are willing to do the work properly ourselves...

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

Petter Eliseussen they proved this at Yellowstone. The wolves are back and now the elk won’t over graze along rivers like they used to.

[@happinessyogateacher]

This is so important to emphasize. We need management of herbivores, introducing predators, etc. I LOVE trees and forests, but I also like to keep a Holistic Approach. Allan Savory has some wonderful ideas on grassland management, and increasing the soil quality. Trees need good soil, just as do we all. Herbivores provide important ingredients to good soil.

[@Pteromandias]

@@happinessyogateacher What were the predators in Scotland? Some kind of large cat? It might be too cold there, but we have plenty of alligators in Florida we could send over. They could live in some of those moorish wetlands and peat bogs.

[@matthewreynolds8025]

@@Pteromandias Alan stated in the video that Scotland used to have bears and Lynx cats. Lets not introduce alligators to Scotland, as introducing non native animals to an ecosystem has caused devastating effects where it has been tried in the past.

[@Jackson-rf6rv]

I love what this man has done! When I bought my house years ago I only had 3 trees but now I have since planted over 20! and i have a frog pond too now. You've got to do your part for the environment in your short time on this earth :)

[@DM-pu3re]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHjHfod_rbpsi8U

[@salomesantos9232]

I have 30 trees top dat

[@j.obrien4990]

Reminds me of the story of wolves being reintroduced to Yellowstone, they kept deer from overpopulating and over grazing. The wolves were key to bring back other species like beavers, that produced ponds, that allowed fish to flourish, and bears to eat the fish....

[@michaelsorensen7567]

Also slowed runoff to refill aquifers

[@Gray2012]

Thank God for Alan and trees for life. We so urgently need this not only in Scotland but all over the world where the forests have been distroyed, for carbon sequestration, ecosystem reconstruction and biodiversity. We're completely f........d without the forests.

[@deeptravel-shorts]

👍

[@TheShootist]

bla bla bla. Forest are ephemeral. It is there nature to come and go as the climate waxes and wanes.

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

Shootist - The climate isn't what's causing the forests to disappear, in most cases. Human activities are the primary driving force. The trees are felled to allow crops to grow, without any mind to what it does to the environment. Forests are about as ephemeral as the human race is. Depends on the time scale used. Within the span of a human lifetime, or even several, you won't see forests coming and going on their own...because the lifetime of a forest is very, very long, compared to that of a forest. BTW, are you supposed to be John Wayne? If so, you've chosen a poor role model.

[@stephenmalley3415]

Oh deer!

[@stephenmalley3415]

Today, forests are 97% of what they were circa 1800. Massive reforestation is happening.

[@scorpiorob7986]

What a brilliant man. The world needs more people like him, that's for sure.

[@carolewarner101]

This is incredibly inspiring... We have managed to acquire 100 acres in the pacific northwest in the US. It's cut over land with patchy stands of plantation trees. We are really excited to foster the return of native forest and ecosystem there. This is such inspiration for us!

[@lilamaus7219]

Thats what we have done in Germany for the last 200 years or so , the results are pretty nice forests . But bewar of the mistakes that were done here and plant more then just Pine Trees .

[@bferrell1797]

Yes, biodiversity is important.

[@antoniusblock3316]

Und wo genau wurde das in Deutschland seit 200 Jahren so gemacht?

[@NikolausUndRupprecht]

@@antoniusblock3316, das Sauerland wurde in weiten Bereichen wieder aufgeforstet. Dass viele Bereiche nicht bewaldet waren, lässt sich sogar heute noch an einigen Flurnamen ablesen, die auf gerodete Flächen verweisen. Die Wälder waren während der ersten Welle der Industrialisierung verschwunden, weil das Holz zur Verarbeitung der bescheidenen Erzvorkommen genutzt wurde. Die Wälder wurden wieder aufgeforstet als diese Industrie ins Ruhrgebiet abwanderte, weil dort große Kohlevorkommen gefunden wurden, die sich besser zur Erzverarbeitung eigneten. Außerdem benötigt man mehr Kohle als Erz, um Eisen zu gewinnen. Also bringt man das Erz zur Kohle und nicht umgekehrt.

[@saarbrooklynrider2277]

@@antoniusblock3316 Preußen hat den Pfälzerwald angepflanzt. Da war alles kahl :). Die Waldflächen in Deutschland haben sich im Vergleich zum Mittelalter verdreifacht.

[@saarbrooklynrider2277]

@G M because they are small, don't live long enough, can't repdroduce themselves very well. And they don't stand a chance against other trees.

[@BlackWit11]

You, Sir, deserve a knighthood. Truly inspiring talk and what you and your coworkers have achieved is absolutely heartwarming. I hope your initiative gathers momentum with the utmost speed possible. I once visited the Yorkshire Dales with my then colleagues. My boss especially was very appreciative of the landscape that is abundant there. When I pointed out that we were, in fact, looking at a totally devastated ecosystem, I was criticized for being a negativist. The difference in perspective was caused by the fact that I, being a biologist, had been educated to look at the whole ecosystem and identify the shortcomings and threats. My colleagues, having various other educations and functions, did not and they just took in the landscape and enjoyed it as it presented itself. Sometimes knowledge can be somewhat of a curse. And my experience also shows that educating your fellow people in matters like this might well be the first necessary step on the road to restoring what was lost. Thank you for reminding me.

[@GarethCodd]

Well said.

[@sk.n.9302]

Totally agree, Europe was once pretty much completely covered by trees. Once you know this, you see things differently.

[@nanwuamitofo]

People don't like bad news, even when its the truth. You were right to tell them. You may have dropped some seeds that have sprouted later on. On the spot it's hard to embrace a difficult message like yours.

[@stucheluchin4702]

rebuild an ecosystem isnt that hard you can rejuvenate a desert in about 1-2 years with enough effort, its pretty simple you need 4 things water, food, shelter, wildlife including predators like he said there's always a balance. "leave where you are better than when you got there"

[@fraudalert3550]

YOU NEED RAIN.

[@isaacfellick6714]

One of the best Ted Talks. A true master of his field, thank you Alan!

[@David-qn9wu]

Nature responds to love, nature responds to care. Powerful words. ❤️🌲🌳💚

[@shaynenbock3473]

Your passion Mr. Watson-Featherstone will ignite similar passions of those you chose to speak to. Please do not stop reaching out to those whom will contribute to your cause in Scotland & all over the world. Thank you for your passion and sharing your work Mr. Watson-Featherstone which, no doubt will transform lives and the landscape of Earth.

[@kevinbyrne4538]

Around the planet, you see the same pattern -- People cleared the land to farm, then they raise sheep and/or goats, the grazers eliminate every vestige of vegetation, the soil erodes, and a desert results. You see this in Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Greece, the fringes of the Sahara, the loess plateau of China, Australia, ... the list is endless.

[@lungarotta]

Sadly you are utterly right. I live in Mediterranean and since childhood I was hit by the destruction of the natural environment caused by man... I tried to talk to people where I live about the necessity of planting trees to stop the desert advancing but I discovered two sad things: 1) the majority of people are not aware of the relationship between lack of trees and lack of rain and sadly no one in the educational institutions has ever done an inch to raise this awareness. So I think it's mainly a problem of culture. 2) Most people like deserts, arid places so they find the barren hills of my island "picturesque" (as those ones in Scotland). Millions of tourists every year visit the Greek islands and they find them so beautiful and don't see how that "appealing" landscapes are the product of an appalling deterioration of the original natural environment. So again a kind of education is much needed.

[@Bozemoto]

I remember watching a program about the early days of human civilization, and one of the first cities basically crumbled because it ran out of trees over the generations as they had to travel further and further. Seems like a recurring problem

[@canadiankewldude]

Thank God for his creation.

[@livthedream91]

Kevin Byrne Yep. Then people think ruminants will restore the soil. 🙄.

[@VashtiPerry]

Acknowledge that we are apart of the ecosystem. Our experiments on the land and nature is just as much apart of nature as any thing else. We live we learn we move on we break stuff we fix stuff.

[@Alex-ix6oi]

As someone that lives in Scotland and has lived here all my life. I have never even heard of this forest but i feel like the matter is important.

[@DavidByrne85]

If you ever fancy a cottage holiday look into to glen affrick- there are forestry commission walks thru this Forrest, rivers huge waterfalls, its spectacular

[@karenburrows9184]

Alex: If you feel the matter is important, may I suggest you contribute to the effort by volunteering. Not only is it good for the land (your land) but it is also good for the soul, and will give you something to hand to your grandchildren.

[@sk.n.9302]

They need a small & effective communications dept. The message needs to go out, especially in Scotland.

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

I applaud you sir! As an ancestral Scot, Lenox and Kirkpatrick I have commented on the lack of trees since the seventies. I am now a prescribed burner in the process of forest recovery. It will be important to the Caledonian Forest recovery to introduce fire to reinstate the proper nitrogen and nutrient cycle and to control invasive species. It is a complex process in the early stages to do this safely and effectively. The archeology shows fire was a common and natural process in your and other forests. I hope the suggestion of this tool is not fear making. May the blessing of Hearn be upon you.

[@curties]

I love ppl like this. Going out of their way to make the world a better place for everyone. Anyone who has done any kind of "permanent" fencing knows how hard that kind of work is (done it once as a teenager and wont forget it for the rest of my life).

[@luchoportuano2829]

Standing ovation for this wise, kind, wonderful man.

[@77777aol]

This talk is so complete and wise. Alan Watson is a gem - a treasure of Scotland and the world. His report is true inspiration. When we have hope in our heart, we have no fear for the past and no fear for the future. Let's muster hope, inspired by talks such as these, based on creating value - treasuring the person next to us, contributing to unity and common good in our community and enhancing the land - in essence, creating heaven on earth !

[@pinarellolimoncello]

Hallelujah I'm in...spread the word among the church, put all differences aside, all the children of Israel singing from the same hymn sheet. listen to the Johnny Cash song 'when the man comes around, '100 million angels singing, marching to the big kettle drum..And listen to Donna summer state of Independence and read Hebrews 10 ish

[@Kristers_K]

Seeing nature regrow and restore itself by our helping hand is truly enlightening and most beautiful. It adds meaning and satisfaction, the thought that we aren't only the destroyers of this planet, but also those who would nurture it back to health, to heal it. This planet gave us birth, it's time we return the favour.

[@pinarellolimoncello]

the conception spoken of in scripture is along similar lines that it is Eve, Gaia, the Earth goddess, mother of all creation that gives birth, root and rise to Adam..mankind. We've been living off the planet for millennia, effectively in the womb of the Earth.

[@friendlyone2706]

In Eden, man was a gardener, not a passive pet animal munching on goodies. We were designed to garden, to encourage growth. The animals were not "overgrazing" they were doing untimely grazing, their rhythm was interrupted. A good gardener knows animals are part of the rhythm of life.

[@pinarellolimoncello]

@@friendlyone2706 Nobody said he was a passive pet munching on goodies. Anyway if you take a look at a William Blake painting The great red dragon and the beast in the sea you will see how satn stands over the beast in the sea with 7 heads representing the G7 nations dictating to them on how to control the world with a sword, competition and betrayal ie gamesmanship, see every stupid reality tv programme there is with only one winner, and the tribal politics of democracy, divide and rule, see tribal sceptre in left hand. In this way he tries to enslave humankind and in doing so enslaves also animals. I denounce satn however as a disgusting vile liar, sooner people wake up to how they are living under not only his deceptions but also misconceptions like war , empire and consumerism the better off we will all be.

[@canadiankewldude]

Thank God for his creation.

[@agn855]

85 dislikes are coming from out-fenced deers.

[@mfeldheim]

Lynx? Did he say he wants to bring lynx back? Oh no no no no.

[@wendyscott8425]

@@mfeldheim Okay, tell me what's wrong with lynx, please.

[@xbear7473]

@@wendyscott8425 it would only be wrong if they get out of control and wander into residential areas

[@ericlotze7724]

@@mfeldheim Release the big catttttttttt !

[@ericlotze7724]

@@xbear7473 From what i have heard they are pretty solitary creatures. I don't think they even like to be around other lynxes !

[@1220b]

22 years ago I was a park Ranger in the Kent. I planted Hundreds Thousands of Native Trees. Went mad with a chain saw on invasive species. I can now walk my child through those Forests.

[@guybartlett9587]

Great story!

[@larshakonslette2760]

One of the most interesting scientific findings the past half century has been the discovery of widespread trophic cascades. One of the most classic examples happened in 1992, when Scotland reintroduced one lonely wolf in the Scottish highland. As soon as the lonely wolf arrived, it started to have the most remarkable effect. It radically changed the behaviour of the deer that had been eating all the trees. In some places the height of the trees quintupled in just six years. Bare valley sides quickly became forests of pine and aspens and willow trees. And as soon as that happened the birds started moving in. The number of beavers started to increase, because bevers like to eat trees. The dams the beavers built became habitats for other spices like ducks and fish and muskrats and reptiles and amphibians. But here is where it gets really interesting. The Wolf, called Alan by the scientists, changed the behaviour of the rivers!

[@steffeeH]

Do you have any sources for this, would love to read more about it

[@crimsonlight1385]

Amazing

[@moobles2998]

Pretty sure you're talking about Yellowstone, not scotland here, but either way the other parts are true, trophic cascades are real.

[@larshakonslette2760]

@@steffeeH kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6TEZoJ4nb2tY7M

[@johnmudd6453]

Wolves have never been reintroduced to Scotland !

[@julianbarazzutti7960]

"nature responds to love" how beautiful that quote can be

[@onewomanslife]

It seems to me that the leaders who will save humanity are not looking for crowns or accolades but they are just very busy doing the right things for nature and thus for HUMANITY. Thank you to all like Mr. Watson. With LOVE from Canada.

[@Joey-rs7uq]

I get worried that the flat grassy highlands have become too much of an identity to Ireland and GB, reforesting those regions would be so amazing! England and its neighboring Isles have some of the coolest climates, environments and considering how they are warmed by the ocean, the forests of its past were probably breathtaking! Like a deciduous rainforest! Love to see that there are some out there trying to regain some bits of the past lushness!

[@BBirke1337]

Are there at least small patches of (nearly) primeval forest left in Ireland or western UK? Surely not much, but in many countries, small areas survived, being property of monasteries, temples, nobility or simply not valuable for exploitation. It would be really interesting in the Gulf Stream affected areas, where palm trees can grow, and many herbs don't die off in winter.

[@JaneAxon123]

We have this issue in New Zealand with the remote landscapes being dominated by sheep farming. Gorse was introduced from Scotland for use as hedges but it did too well and is considered a pest because the sheep don't eat it, but that makes it a good nursery plant for native tree seedlings.

[@18Bees]

Id love to visit New Zealand.

[@franceshorton918]

@@18Bees Kia Ora ! It's a shame that Covid has interrupted everyone's travel plans, but if you can still make the trip, you'd be welcome. We have lots of Indigenous Forest restoration projects on the go, and in Rotorua there are lots of Tree top adventures and zip lines to celebrate the preservation of unique landscapes and original forests on them.

[@babyabraham4197]

Wonderful, inspiring explanatory presentation which can instill understanding and enthusiasm and urgency in the minds of even our children, grand children and great grand children . usually people laugh away these restoration work which is our very life sustaining habitat . Now that we are experiencing the wee bit of the consequences , this episode can really enlarge their understanding of our natural connectivity and sustainability .

[@felmlee1876]

When I lived in Peru in the early seventies I was stationed in an abandoned hacindada for six months. I lived at 14,000 feet in a steep valley. There were no trees and few brush species. I was told that firewood gathering and sheep were responsible for the lack of forestation.

[@annak804]

That and not planting new trees

[@LawrenceMclean]

This is an excellent presentation. One of the things he says: "the land needs love and care" is crucial to the widespread success of this vision. However there is a major problem. The financial class imposes such a huge cost on society that it is impossible for enough people to prosper just by caring. For example, the cost of living is so high that someone could not earn enough by protecting sheep from predators (Sheppards) , which means that many politically powerful people will veto the introduction of predators. When you analyze the ultimate cause of many of societies problems, you will find the costs imposed by the financial class as one of the crucial causes.

[@mygmail1111]

Such a great man. The work done by him and those involved is appreciated.

[@megeasling8080]

This is amazing, Alan, and thanks. I am part of the diaspora of Scots people who settled Canada ( marrying native women), Louisiana and New England since the 1600s. I still dearly love my roots and hope to return again in Spring and this time go to Findhorn too. How can I become involved in what you are doing?

[@robiniapseudoacacia]

An inspirational man. What a vision he had back then. I have loved seeing the results of this work up in Glen Affric. What a stunning place.

[@Galadriel333]

"Nature responds to love...nature responds to care. Then miracles take place." An absolute truth! Thank you sir for your love and care of the forest. ♡♡♡

[@brentmathieu388]

I live in Boise, Idaho. Named for les bois - the woods. I have lived in the same house for 28 years. Squirrels and I plant trees. Oak and walnut by squirrels. I plant others. One result is thick humus in the soil. Its a miracle and an honor to observe how nature creates life, when humans allow it.

[@18Bees]

Thats very true. Nature is the boss. We think we are in control.

[@deborahzahler913]

In Gratitude Alan Watson Featherstone for your commitment that brought forth such positive actions and a deep understanding of the interrelationship of All Life and this living planet 🌎 on which we co - exist. Your Heart has learned and understood Reverence for Life taught by Nature herself and the regenerative Miracles that are possible!!!! Your sharing of this is a gift . 🎁

[@joedisco]

"nature responds to love, nature responds to care" - love it

[@v.j.bartlett]

Hitch up with the Woodland Trust, we are already working in Scotland - recently bought our first mountain there! Also DON'T forget the Scottish Wildcat! That is a big predator already in Scotland.

[@jenson1569]

Doesn't hunt deer thought.

[@v.j.bartlett]

@@jenson1569 Actually the Scottish Wildcat does hunt deer! The Scottish Wildcat Foundation have found road killed Wildcats four foot long from nose to base of tail, they are big enough and powerful enough to hunt deer. They will also hunt humans if we aren't careful so it might be a very good idea to stop pressing into their terrority and give them the respect they deserve.

[@jenson1569]

@@v.j.bartlett They’ve been known to bring down newborn deer(fawns) but not adults. They’re too small.

[@aminrahmanar]

Wow I'm so moved by Allen's work and speech that I lost words. My eyes flooded with full of water. Thanks

[@douglasconnery55]

Great speech and very informative Alan, I have now became a member of Trees for life, and I would urge everybody whohas watched this video to do so also :)

[@michaeljenkins730]

This gentleman must sleep well at night, knowing all the good he is doing. The slow, incremental improvements that all add up to such a major change.

[@robertojasso1866]

I wish there were more people ljke this man. God bless him.

[@pinarellolimoncello]

There are, just need to find them, a lot of walking dead on this planet so work with the living, go to library or charity shop for books, easier and higher quality info than internet, plant a garden or some trees you will probably enjoy it, In Genesis it says 'replenish the Earth doesn't it.

[@quigonjinn3567]

"God bless" is as useful as saying good luck m8 ur on ur own. The don't need prayers to a imaginary ghost. They need first and foremost funds, and stop the intensive sheep farming. Good wishes ain't change nothing.

[@SuomenHerrasmies]

@@quigonjinn3567 *Tips fedora

[@jaxamillian1]

People like Alan are true hero's. Thank you and others like you for giving us direction and guidance.

[@balcorn9211]

Living my entire life in Pennsylvania (literally Penn's Woods) every time I've seen Scotland's bare mountains my first thought has been, "where are the trees?!?" I LOVE forests and seeing your work is very inspiring to say the least.

[@tonysherwood9619]

Hey! You're the fella who gave a talk at a festival on the wild west coast of Scotland around 1990 - about this and about 'The Forest of Caleadon'. Thank you so much as I have low maintenance natural Sucession planted front garden now harbouring a rich and diverse flora& fauna. I'll plant a Scots Pine in your honour!

[@08453300222]

More power to you my brother Alan. Keep up your good work and may God bless you as you help restore the land.

[@crazyworld2992]

I’ve always felt like this about Scotland, it’s an amazing place but bleak without forests, time to regrow

[@nicocrv]

I saw this talk 6 times, and I will keep watching it, it is inspiring. I see the reactions in the comments and they are encouraging. But don't forget that the important thing in ecological restoration, in which you get involved, is the planting of NATIVE SPECIES, always. And also that the forest is not the only type of environment, there are grasslands, savannas, mountains, steppes. They all have their own species: those are the ones to plant.

[@GaiaCarney]

‘Nature responds to love, Nature responds to care & seeming miracles take place’ Beautifully said, my good man 💚

[@Jerbod2]

I fully support this dude. Scotland needs trees!

[@derekeadie6230]

Yip, feeling really inspired to get involved. Recently walked around Rannoch Moor from Rannoch Station, an area that typifies the destruction of the natural heritage of our land as you mentioned within your speech about the outdoor museum. One day I hope to walk there again through trees rather than sodden and part buried root systems. Excellent work.

[@PlanetMojo]

I'm restoring an oak savanna which is one of the most endangered habitats there is. It actually involves removing many trees and replacing them with native prairie grasses, and planting relatively fire-proof bur oak trees. I just hope someone keeps up the effort when I'm gone...

[@johnhutchison2268]

Some people take others give. This presentation from Alan Watson-Featherstone is inspirational.

[@shuvanidev]

I love this! What Alan says about restoring wholeness to the Highland natural environment can apply to other natural systems as well, not only land and forests. It's an important message.

[@mybiasedopinions4793]

This is one of the few things that helps alleviate my lifelong cynicism as a sentient individual. Not only toward humans which is an obvious given, but it also curbs the cynicism I feel toward this entire universe, which honestly stokes my pessimism just as well.

[@landprojex.landsightaustra7096]

You are a great human being Alan. Bringing back such large areas of your country. I am of the Stewart clan born in Australia and love your work and admire your commitment and knowledge greatly. I work to restore natural areas through ecological restoration and will study your works from now on. Connected and brave human beings who defend nature are a great motivation and inspiration to continue this work. Like you, I started with nothing and have had to learn what I know in the field and also from educational resources such as the one you have made for us to learn here. I love beavers and otters and am fascinated with the reintroduction process. I would love to talk sometime. I wish you a long and prosperous life and to all of your team and kin. It is fascinating the regrowing of the peat and sphagnum moss and your work in general. Such important work. Power and strength to you. I love to hear you say that 'nature responds to love and nature responds to care' These are great words. You should be proud and more well known.

[@AC-jl6su]

Thank you for everything you are doing for our Mother Earth!!! THANK YOU!

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

Absolutely the most important information we can teach our children.

[@secrets2youth]

Fantastic presentation. Thank you so very much. I agree with you on all these issues. It is very concerning that's so few men and women today are connecting with the Earth and our planting trees on a regular or even on a daily basis. I saw one KZbin video a while back saying that in Asia they planted in one day millions of trees because everyone went out and planted a tree.

[@dmaze8457]

Alan. The inspiring speaker with an important message.

[@wolfgang4043]

Great! About time! I'm glad yer doing that! Greetings from Slovenija, where we've got 56 % of forests. Lots of foreign robbers were stealing and devastating our land of forests for a thousand years, but we managed. Good luck!

[@DrCorvid]

I've been studying agronomy that is taught at Laval and McGill about the use of shredded ramial wood (ou bois raméal fragmenté) being the best way to remediate or rebuild both forest and farm soils. Hedgerows are now being shredded directly onto the rows. Sorta like permaculture except the "paramount importance" is stressed of surface mixing, and also if necessary turning compacted beds every 5 years. Thing is, without clay and sand it's still composting at the surface, and as such, compacts.

[@pgm98387]

Thank you! This is such a wonderful noble endeavor, we should be doing this worldwide.

[@JasonSmith709]

I'm glad I support the Trees For Life charity.

[@JJ-te2pi]

Here in Gloucestershire we have so many fields never actually used for anything productive. Would be nice to see more woodland.

[@annak804]

Then put up a fence and plant a few trees get permission from the owners and put in some work trees take time best to plant em now

[@andobreslin8735]

Ironic to see people from Madagascar going over to Scotland to plant trees when Madagascar has also faced the same decimation of it's Rainforest. I hope the same Forest restoration is taking place there.

[@bobgreene2892]

As you might expect, the same battle fought in Scotland to conserve and protect the land is being waged in Madagascar. The two young women from Madagascar are to be commended for their contributions, and even more for their vision. Such people can help guide the island's development into harmony with Nature. Of course, we can be sure Alan and foundation offer guidance and support to conservation efforts around the world. After all, with the ambition the two displayed, it takes only a spark of encouragement.

[@77777aol]

Ando Servis : 'What's good for the goose is good for the gander' ! [This talk is so complete and wise. Alan Watson is a gem - a treasure of Scotland and the world. His report is true inspiration. When we have hope in our heart, we have no fear for the past and no fear for the future. Let's muster hope, inspired by talks such as these, based on creating value - treasuring the person next to us, contributing to unity and common good in our community and enhancing the land - in essence, creating heaven on earth !]

[@paulryan2128]

@Jose Adriani Buselli Well you are a scold, aren't ye?! I suppose yer out plantin' some trees yerself now!

[@grantkruse1812]

@Jose Adriani Buselli How many trees have YOU planted? Anyone can criticize...

[@benbrown8258]

They are coming to learn as well as help.

[@adamsleath]

fantastic to see this work and landcare. thanks. :) native species restoration, and connection with living ecology is what life is all about in my opinion. and natural biodiversity is a beautiful gem in the universe. the nurture of nature by us makes a massive difference.

[@rubysmoke7150]

just bought an acre of scorched earth and desire is to restore this piece of earth to it's rightful abundance. Very validating lecture. Much encouraged.

[@andrewwest2834]

I have, like many of us, watched many Ted -talks. This man's message and delivery got me right in the feels. I would happily accept the opportunity to be a "land keeper, no questions asked. Awesome Work Mr.Featherstone.

[@jamesbailand4311]

The stopping of land subsidies to keep the land barren will also help.

[@phillhosking]

That made me feel extremely positive.. not to mention all warm and fuzzy inside..

[@danielrk8]

Thank you Alan! this world need so many more like you!!

[@SteveBiddick]

9.00 "Nature responds to love, nature responds to care. Seemingly miracles take place." I like this man. :-)

[@Nick-vb5su]

Bring back the wolf and you will see a different Scotland. Just look the example of yellowstone national park in the US

[@Mrbfgray]

And while predator populations are growing put wild venison on the menu as a patriotic duty.

[@MelioraCogito]

@@Mrbfgray Patriotism is tribalism gone amok. The sooner you abandon such childish sentiments, the better you will become.

[@Mrbfgray]

@@MelioraCogito I hope you work on that and learn to detect trivial humor too? There ya go Sport!

[@slusszpassz]

Western nations fear from predators, that's why they killed them all. And that's why they don't want to bring predators back even if they can.

[@GraceAloneThroughFaithAlone]

Spoken like a true globalist shill, who gets their iPhone outsourced to 3rd world countries for pennies on a dollar. Kick rocks you snooty New World Order prick.

[@snowleopard7952]

Trees are part of the peace process🌲

[@btdt346]

I've waited along time to have someone like you taken seriously , you are absolutely on the right track , nature didn't settle on the way it was by accident.... we need more of you and a new generation of change and education education education .... change the definition of the pervading culture .

[@kevsurf2003]

Most important TED talk anyone could watch.

[@lukepattinson4744]

Enjoyed this very well put forward. Would love to see something similar in Yorkshire

[@almagirimai8931]

Planting trees is my favourite thing to do. If everyone planted a few trees each year, the earth would be reforested.........

[@yellowbird5411]

Many people think they would like to plant seedlings or seeds, but don't know where to do it. If you live in a city, all the land belongs to someone or to the government. I think there are plenty of places to plant stuff. Some may not survive for various reasons, but some will. In a city, alley ways, abandoned property, overgrown fields, or even in a park, off in the corner where it won't be noticed until it's big. Overly tailored cityscapes, paved over dirt, deliberately designed parks and yards take away from the natural world. But we all can find places to plant stuff, and we don't have to call attention to ourselves in the process. Rural areas are easier, as things grow more naturally if roaming deer or other animals are not a problem.

[@thisbullrocks6030]

I heard somewhere that it is law in the Philipines that in order to graduate middle school you have to plant 6000 trees - this will give over a billion trees in a generation - good idea

[@Mrbfgray]

That doesn't work if deer and sheep are eating everything flat. You must restore the predator populations first.

[@steelernation1989]

I've planted thousands

[@malcolm1148]

Every year saplings appear in my garden, I uproot them, plant them in pots and when they're big enough I am going to plant them in my local woods

[@natureandrandomstuff]

Respect and admiration is what I have for this man and everyone involved in the project.

[@18Bees]

Highlands of Scotland - An outdoor museum. Brilliant.

[@lcagee]

This is really fascinating. It's amazing what we can accomplish if we do the right thing.

[@ThePermacultureStudent]

[@obroadieswimmer]

Fantastic. One of my favorite TED talks ever.

[@marcmaclellan3503]

he is so full of knowledge, what a man ...beautiful vision

[@chrismccartney8668]

Im very lucky to live so near the primary old woodland in Epping Forest so near to London

[@mamon99519]

I’d be happy to spend my vacations planting trees

[@joepublic5469]

You're such a nice person. To make it easier, People who have trees that are native to the Scottish highland could rake under their trees and send the leaves and the seeds in bags. Then the bags get shaken so the seeds fall to the bottom and then the bottom cut. It would drop the seeds on the ground then mulch them with the exact nutrients they need. The leaves make top soil, bring back worms and the repair the humas layer. Giving the trees the capability to grow. Then it's just a matter of someone protecting the saplings until they are big enough to survive on their own.

[@landprojex.landsightaustra7096]

You have great attention to detail and a great ability to communicate these natural and biological processes and methods of restoration and assistance in an awesome way. I listen to a lot of 'talkers' and you are up there with John Muir who funnily enough was Scottish also. I am sure he is a hero of yours also by the way you speak. I want to let you know that you speak like him and in a profound way that is reminiscent of his poetry and words and that I feel truly represents nature itself to the betterment of us as a human species and to the betterment of the natural world. You are an awesome spokesman for nature and would love to hear some more extensive informative talks. Really happy to have found you and your works Alan. Warm regards.

[@gabrielcoronado6395]

He is a modern, active and clever version of Sain Francis. Thanks for his passion!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@technus102]

This needs to happen in south Portugal (Alentejo).

[@dmaze8457]

Alan is a savior of Scotland of sorts. We in the states often overlook or aren’t aware of the the ecological work being done in other countries. This video was so refreshing to see and hear. Other than the Native Americans, both North and South, the Americas have been inhabited for a far shorter time than by civilizations in Europe and Asia. Those continents with ‘advanced’ civilizations looked on the natural world as something to exploit till the natural habitats have become mere artifacts, if that. Congratulations and a thanks to those individuals and groups in the rest of the world who are working to do what is being done in Scotland.

[@bryankirk3567]

Thank you Alan. You are a scholar and a gentleman. What you are doing is so basic, and fundamental, that it needed a genius to see the problem. You will be known in history by my grandchildren and they will add their small part, as I and my children are going to do, because of the enlightenment you have bestowed upon us.

[@IbKinHaan]

Very hopefull. Thank you for the hard work and the positive message for our future

[@liziwemabona1245]

Good work we support you from south Africa

[@eduardofrias3788]

Great job. We need to do something about it . Iam from Mexico and very sad to see what’s been going on there with the forest.

[@michaelhogan9053]

This happened centuries ago, Humans are just getting around to fixing it.

[@thekman1812]

WOW!! Now this is what I call, "A Great Man."

[@Red-Feather]

I love the way he speaks. Very much full of heart.