Spatial analysis and prioritisation of the social and cultural values attached to woodlands and forests

Project to develop and then test methods for mapping and spatially analysing the range of social and cultural ecosystem services provided by different kinds of woodlands to different segments of society

Biosecurity – good working practice for those involved in forestry

The Forestry Commission has produced guidance on biosecurity measures and good working practice for the forestry sector. This guidance is for anyone who works for, or carries out official duties on behalf of, the Forestry Commission. The booklet details practical steps designed to minimise the risk of introducing or spreading pests and diseases. It includes […]

A Strategic Assessment of the Afforested Peat Resource in Wales

This report assesses the distribution of Welsh peatlands and gives an overview of the likely impacts of peat forming factors and afforested peatland restoration. National and field based assessment schemes are developed for the assessment of afforested peatland in Wales viable for restoration, as well as a national GIS assessment identifying potential restoration areas in Wales. Field-based assessment are testing by ground truthing a number of sites in Wales and relative costs of afforested peat restoration are provided.

The Natural Environment Framework: estimating the value of new woodland

The page summarises findings from Forest Research’s work to estimate the expected net economic benefits that Forestry Commission Wales would deliver by meeting targets for new woodland set out in the Natural Environment Framework.

Recreational use of forests and disturbance of wildlife

Forests are popular places for recreation, but some activities can have negative impacts on wildlife. Land managers have to balance delivery of the social and economic benefits derived from outdoor recreation with nature conservation objectives. This literature review provides an overview of potential disturbance issues and a guide to the evidence on impacts from walking, […]

Woodland structure and birds – effects of woodland management and deer browsing

This project aims to investigate how habitat quality for woodland birds is affected by woodland management and deer browsing by undertaking a large-scale survey of lowland broadleaved woodland in the UK. This will be complemented by a reference survey of upland conifer woodlands where populations of the target bird species have remained more stable.

Managing deadwood in forests and woodlands

Deadwood is a vital component of a properly functioning forest ecosystem. It plays an important role in sustaining biodiversity and in delivering ecosystem services such as soil formation and nutrient cycling. In the UK up to a fifth of woodland species depend on dead or dying trees for all or part of their life cycle […]

Achieving diversity in Scotland’s forest landscapes

Diversity in forests is essential to conserve biodiversity and expand habitats, and to contribute towards enhancing landscape quality and recreation opportunities. In addition, introducing species and age diversity throughout a forest can increase their resilience to pests, diseases and fire, and extend economic opportunities. This Practice Guide offers advice and ideas from which a forest manager […]

Relationships between peri-urban woodlands and people’s health and well-being

This page summarises the findings of a Forest Research study to document people’s woodland experiences at four peri-urban case study sites.

Greenspace initiatives: assessing evidence for economic benefits

The page summarises the findings and recommendations from Forest Research’s critical assessment of the evidence and estimates used in valuations of initiatives to create or improve greenspace.

Conserving and managing trees and woodlands in Scotland’s designed landscapes

Since Medieval times, designed landscapes have evolved and at times changed dramatically in style and character. Throughout all periods and recognised styles however, trees have been an essential feature. In the 20th century social and economic changes proved challenging times for land management, with a combination of estate fragmentation, decline and changed land-use policies, specifically […]

Biodiversity in fragmented landscapes

Maintaining species’ movement around landscapes is considered important if we are to conserve populations of many species and help them adapt to climate change. Particular features in the landscape have the potential to hinder or facilitate species movement. As each species interacts with the landscape differently, it can be hard to extract general patterns to […]