How do forests catch and help store rainwater and protect soils?
• Branches on the tallest trees catch the first raindrops and then pass them on to the lower branches. • From here, the water gently trickles on to shorter, shade-loving species of trees. • After this, creepers, bushes and grasses absorb it. • The water then reaches the floor where fallen leaves sponge the rain before allowing it to seep into the topsoil. • This water collects in underground storage ‘tanks’ called aquifers. From here the water joins streams, rivulets, lakes and rivers, which in turn supply us with water.
