The results of the 1989 forest condition monitoring programme are presented. A total of 7436 trees were assessed, with the species being restricted to Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), Norway spruce (P. abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), oak (Quercus spp.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica). Crown condition is now assessed on the basis of a variety of indices rather than crown density alone. This enables a full evaluation of the health of individual trees to be made. However, as many of the indices have not been assessed previously, it is not possible to determine whether the figures depict a departure from the normal pattern of tree health that might be expected in pristine environmental conditions.