[goosey]

Not about fir tree plantations or Christmas tree's persé, but the same type of trees.
When we in the Lake District in the summer we were driving alongside Thilmere and for the first time ever in years of driving that way we were able to see the lake below. It had been densely planted with fir trees. December 2006 saw the start of removing about 114 acres of conifers and non-native trees and replacing them with species indigenous to the area. Manchester Corporation who owned the land at that time (now united utilities), established much of the present forest in the early 1900s by planting large numbers of conifers. The trees were needed to stabilise the banks of the reservoir and protect water quality, and conifers were chosen for their fast growth and valuable timber rather than their visual appeal.

Now aday, there is a more sympathetic approach to the visual impact on the valley by encouraging the return of native species. An extensive area of new native woodland along the lake margin will also be created around the entire lake. These trees will be established principally by encouraging natural regeneration.

Most of the work is technically difficult because land around the lake is steep and inaccessible to standard forestry machinery.
The work will take three years and is designed to improve the valley by opening up views across the lake. Removing over-mature roadside conifer trees will also help to improve safety along the busy A591.

It's great that something positive is happenig, not just the cheapest and quickest solution, or leaving it to become the next persons problem.