Trees have evolved to provide shade, according to most Brits

NEARLY a fifth of Britons don’t know trees produce oxygen.

Instead, almost everyone in the UK thinks plantlife has evolved to ‘provide animal habitats’, according to a survey.

A further 78 per cent believe that trees ‘are there for shade’ and 74 per cent claiming that the only reason forests exist is to provide fruit.

Even more worryingly, although 71 per cent said they believed the oak was Britain’s most identifiable national tree, a third of them admitted they don’t know what it looks like.

The poll was commissioned to support the launch of toilet roll maker Velvet’s ‘Campaign for Trees’ campaign.

Supermodel and ethical campaigner Erin O’Connor said: “There is a real need to educate people.

“Trees benefit us all – they provide the air that we all breathe.”