Examining the effects of climate change on woodland and forestry.

How woodland management can adapt in anticipation of climate change

The changing climate is affecting our trees, forests and woodlands, how they grow and survive and the important ecosystem services they provide. For our forests and woodlands to thrive, adaptation measures must be considered carefully, and action taken. Ten measures to reduce climate risks and improve resilience are presented.

More biodiverse woodlands are better able to resist or adapt to threats, such as climate change. This enhanced resilience supports the continuity of woodlands and the ecosystem services they provide. Biodiversity is the variation at different levels of biological organisation - the genes within a species; the species within a community; and the diversity between communities and ecosystems.

Climate change will have wide-ranging effects on ecosystem services

How much carbon is there in our woodlands? Forests are a key part of the global carbon cycle. As trees grow, carbon is removed from the atmosphere, so there is much interest in tree planting and woodland expansion to help slow down the increase of atmospheric greenhouse gases that is causing rapid climate change. It is […]

How do woodlands and forests affect the climate?

There is increasing interest in designing policy interventions to sustain positive individual or societal behaviours and to encourage behaviour change which tackles environmental issues including climate change.

What are the key risks to our forests and woodland? There are many risks to UK forests, woodlands and trees from climate change trends and extreme weather events. These risks can be managed to reduce the potential impact on our forests and the ecosystem services they provide. This factsheet highlights the main risks from climate change […]

Urban forests can both help reduce climate change and help urban society cope with its impacts.