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FOREST RESEARCH, UK

Short history of Forest Research

Forest Research is the research agency of the Forestry Commission, the UK Government department responsible for forestry.

Our objective/mission

Our aim is to support and enhance the role of trees, woodlands and forests in sustainable development, by providing high-quality research, development and knowledge exchange.

Our scientists provide robust science, evidence, analysis and advice to Government, European and international institutions and the private sector.  We also provide practical solutions for sustainable forest management for a broad range of clients.  We have recently led the chapter on woodlands in the UK’s first national ecosystem services assessment (http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/Resources/tabid/82/Default.aspx) and also our work has been cited as evidence in the government’s recent Environment White Paper for England.

Forest Research employs about 230 people across England, Scotland and Wales.  It has two main research stations; Alice Holt in Surrey in the south of England, and Northern Research Station which is near to Edinburgh in Scotland.

Our research focus

Our research and development is multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary and covers topics such as:

• climate change adaptation and impact mitigation
• trees pests and diseases
• landuse and ecosystem services, including their economic valuation
• urban trees and greenspace
• protecting soil and water resources
• vertebrate management
• integrated forest monitoring
• social benefits and governance of trees and woodlands
• wood and timber properties
• tree breeding
• regeneration and sustainable siviculture
• alternative management approaches
• bioenergy development

Our staff are recognised industry and scientific experts in sustainable forest management and work to stay at the forefront of international developments in forestry and tree-related issues.

Innovation is an important part of our work.  We have two spin-out companies, C-Cure Solutions Ltd and Timber Sonics Ltd (http://www.timbersonics.com) as well as range of unique seed art (http://www.frprints.co.uk).

Forest Research also provides a range of products and services to support the land management and environmental technologies sectors for example plant, tree, soil and water testing, and a diagnostic services for tree pests and diseases.  

For more information on Forest Research go to http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestresearch.

Why membership of IUFRO is important to us

Forest Research staff have been involved with IUFRO since its establishment and has found the interaction with international scientists to be highly beneficial.  Awareness of wider science and of forest science globally and connecting this to the forest sector is a critical part of Forest Research’s mission.  We also value the opportunity to contribute our skills and expertise to global forestry for example through the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration, and the professional relationships established with IUFRO.

Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland with the Eco Task Force, a special unit of the Indian Army at the Mussouri hills mining restoration, in the outer hills of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand India; Forestry Commission Copyright 2011.

Links:

• Forest Research website: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestresearch

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