Where the Trees Meet the Seas: A Day of Celebration with Plant One Cornwall

On a crisp sunny September morning, we ventured deep into Cornwall’s woodlands at the beautiful Cabilla Cornwall to join partners, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts for Where the Trees Meet the Seas. This inspiring day, hosted by Plant One Cornwall, was more than a celebration of shared environmental achievements. It was a powerful reminder that the landscapes we cherish and the oceans we depend on are not separate worlds, but deeply connected parts of one living system.

The event served as both a thank you and a rallying cry, marking the launch of Plant One Cornwall’s groundbreaking new campaign:'No Trees No Seas'. This bold initiative is rooted in pioneering research from the University of Exeter, which delivers a vital and fascinating message: to heal and protect our oceans, we must first restore and care for our forests.

the hidden connection between forests and oceans

The research underpinning the campaign reveals just how closely linked our woodlands and waterways truly are. Healthy forests are essential: they help regulate water flow, prevent siltation, reduce pollution run-off, and even limit sewage overflow. All these functions play a crucial role in maintaining thriving marine ecosystems.

The relationship goes deeper still. Globally, regions such as Japan and Canada are proving that reforesting coastal areas can restock fish populations, revive kelp forests and seagrass beds, and even reverse the decline of plankton. And just as trees nurture the seas, the oceans return the favour: salmonids and sea birds, for example, are vital for transporting nutrients that sustain forest health. This beautifully complex system of give and take is in danger of breaking down if we don't act now.

a day of discovery and hope

The day itself was a celebration of collaboration and shared purpose. Attendees explored the newly planted temperate rainforest, joined guided woodland walks, and listened to engaging talks from leading environmental experts. Merlin from Cabilla Cornwall guided us on a tour to explore the ecosystem within the woodland restoration, explaining the practical conservation work that takes place on site.

At the heart of it all was a simple but powerful truth: by planting trees, we are not only restoring lost woodland but also breathing life back into the seas that surround our island.

plant ones exciting new campaign 

No Trees No Seas is more than a campaign; it's a movement designed to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and accelerate reforestation across Cornwall and beyond. Its ambitious plans include the creation of a short documentary to share the science behind the project, community screenings, talks at educational institutions, and partnerships.

Plant One Cornwall: restoring the celtic rainforest

The work of Plant One Cornwall has always been rooted in community. Through their efforts, local people can participate in tree planting events, landowners receive expert guidance on woodland restoration, and businesses can contribute to biodiversity projects on their sites or nearby land. Every tree planted brings us one step closer to reviving the ancient Celtic rainforest and restoring balance to our ecosystems.

looking ahead

Where the Trees Meet the Seas was a day filled with hope, knowledge, and a deep sense of shared responsibility. As we left the woodland that afternoon, we carried with us a renewed understanding of just how interconnected our world truly is and how much power we hold when we work together.

At Whistlefish, we are proud to support Plant One Cornwall and the projects that they continue to do, that reflect our commitment to protecting the natural beauty of Cornwall and beyond. After all, when we plant trees, we plant the seeds of a healthier planet - one where forests and oceans thrive side by side.