About

The changing climate will have a wide range of impacts across the UK, including to our trees and woodlands, including warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns.

The main risks to forests are drought, wildfires, windthrow, flooding, unseasonal frost, pests and diseases.

Woodland owners and managers should assess the level of risks that climate change poses and implement adaptation measures to build resilience.

The Climate Change Hub provides information about climate change risks to UK woodlands and guidance for practitioners to adapt their woodlands. There are also case studies of how others have approached adaptation. If you’re looking for practical guidance on how to get started, head straight to the take action page.

Forest Research is working to improve our understanding of the impact of climate change on forests and forestry, what role forestry can have in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and climate change and how forestry can adapt to reduce the impact of climate change and to benefit from any opportunities. Our work involves collaborating with organisations across the UK and overseas.

Forest Research is a member of the Forestry and Climate Change Partnership (FCCP) which brings together forestry, conservation and government organisations to communicate the case for adaptation, provide training and help inform research priorities. The FCCP published the Forestry and Climate Change Adaptation Accord in June 2022 which sets out a collective vision that Britain’s woodland and forests will be able to meet their full potential to provide environmental, social and economic benefits.