Effects of urban density on carbon dioxide exchanges

Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas contributing to global climate change. This paper quantifies the size of carbon dioxide flows between the land and the atmosphere in 1) a woodland at Alice Holt in Surrey, 2) a suburban site in Swindon and 3) an urban site in central London. The paper shows […]

Action for the Environment on Scotland’s National Forest Estate

Action for the Environment on Scotland's National Forest Estate describes just some of the recent work we have been doing to ensure that our natural and cultural heritage is protected, conserved and enhanced.

Behavioural policy ‘nudges’ to encourage woodland creation for climate change mitigation

Evidence indicates that woodland creation is generally a cost-effective method of climate change mitigation, when compared with a range of alternatives. However, engaging landowners and land managers in woodland creation schemes can sometimes prove difficult, and this affects prospects for meeting national woodland planting targets and associated climate change mitigation objectives. Although reluctance to plant […]

Behavioural policy ‘nudges’ to encourage woodland creation for climate change mitigation

Evidence indicates that woodland creation is generally a cost-effective method of climate change mitigation, when compared with a range of alternatives. However, engaging landowners and land managers in woodland creation schemes can sometimes prove difficult, and this affects prospects for meeting national woodland planting targets and associated climate change mitigation objectives. Although reluctance to plant […]

Biomass in live woodland trees in Britain

This Inventory Report is one of a series of publications reporting the outputs of the Forestry Commission National Forest Inventory. It forms part of the 25-year forecast of softwood availability series, which includes the following reports:• Standing timber volume for coniferous trees in Britain• 25-year forecast of softwood timber availability• 25-year forecast of standing coniferous […]

Carbon in live woodland trees in Britain

This Inventory Report is one of a series of publications reporting the outputs of the Forestry Commission National Forest Inventory. It forms part of the 25-year forecast of softwood availability series, which includes the following reports:• Standing timber volume for coniferous trees in Britain• 25-year forecast of softwood timber availability• 25-year forecast of standing coniferous […]

Using quality compost to reclaim land for forestry and woody biomass

Forestry Commission Report 2014. Technical guidance on using quality compost to reclaim land for forestry and woody biomass. Contact Bill Jones. What’s of interest These publications are produced by Technical Development. Some (mainly older) publications are not available online. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact Bill Jones.

Air temperature regulation by urban trees and green infrastructure

A well-known effect of urbanisation is the warming of the local climate relative to surrounding rural areas, creating a phenomenon known as the ‘urban heat island’ (UHI). UHI intensity varies across a city and over time, but temperature differences may reach 9 °C in the UK. Factors that contribute to a UHI include the thermal properties, […]

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from forest civil engineering

The management of forests and woodlands requires an effective road network to provide access for the machinery required to plant and harvest trees and extract timber and wood products. Roads are also used by visitors for access and activities such as cycling and mountain biking. Forest roads and bridges must be constructed so that they […]

Understanding the carbon and greenhouse gas balance of forests in Britain

Forests and woodlands represent a substantial stock of carbon that is contained in soil, trees and other vegetation. They are a key component of the global carbon cycle and their effective management, at both global and regional scales, is an important mechanism for reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Understanding what determines the size of […]

Costs and revenues of transformation to continuous cover forestry

Study modelling silvicultural options with Sitka spruce showing how transformation to continuous cover forestry can be a good economic option compared with clearfelling and replanting. This is accompanied by an Analysis spreadsheet (MS Excel®-3813 KB) that enables practitioners and policymakers to change input costs, product specifications, roadside prices and the discount rate to suit their local […]

Forests and carbon: valuation, discounting and risk management

Carbon valuation, discounting and risk management are important in ensuring that effective incentives are put in place to tackle climate change, and in comparing the relative merits of climate mitigation activities over time. Approaches applied in different contexts, including in relation to permanence issues, are reviewed in order to help inform development by the Forestry […]