New science reveals forests are an essential part of ocean recovery — and after Storm Goretti, restoring Cornwall’s natural defences has never felt more urgent.
As surfers the quality of our water affects us daily, not only for the enjoyment of surfing but for our own and our environment’s health.
No Trees, No Seas is Plant One’s campaign shining a light on the hidden connections between forests, rivers and the ocean — and why reforestation one of the most effective ways to support thriving seas.
Drawing together evidence from hundreds of studies worldwide, the conclusion is striking: restore forests (especially coastal/temperate rainforest catchments) and you can help restore marine ecosystems too — from plankton and fish, to seagrass and kelp.
And it works both ways: when we protect and repair one part of the system, the benefits move through the whole “Flowscape” — land, rivers, estuaries and sea.
Healthy forests are obviously important. They don’t just store carbon — they feed and stabilise coastal seas. As woodlands grow, decay and regenerate, they help deliver a steadier, healthier “nutrient flow” downstream.
Coastal forests also improve water quality by holding soil in place and filtering runoff — conditions that seagrass meadows and kelp forests need to recover. We’ve all seen how runoff impacts the quality of our seas.
Cornwall is one of the most deforested counties in the UK, with only 8–10% tree cover.
And this winter, Storm Goretti has shown how exposed our landscapes and communities have become — bringing extreme winds, widespread damage, and the loss of precious tree cover (including newly planted sites). Reforesting Cornwall is now about nature recovery and climate resilience, as well as restoring the living links from trees to seas.
Clean waters are fundamentally important to our sport and lifestyle. No Trees, No Seas reminds us that looking after the ocean doesn’t stop at the shoreline.
If you want to learn more about the relationship between our forests and our oceans, and support Plant One’s campaign, head to the link below:
