How Forest Research social and economic scientists have explored what Britain’s trees and woodlands mean to people, how they are used and how they can contribute to the social and cultural life of the country.

Trees and forests in British society – Ten years of social science ^(PDF-1742K)

Over the past 15 or so years, although generally confident in their ability to resolve technical queries, forest managers have increasingly found themselves needing to deal with social issues and impacts. The ’90s also saw increasing demand for evaluation of public investment in services and a drive for evidence on which to base future policy. As a result there was growing demand for guidance on social issues, both to help forest managers meet social objectives and to ensure forest policy and practice was based on a better understanding of social values, benefits, structures and processes.

In 2000, in response to this increased need, Forest Research set up a group of social and economic scientists to complement its existing natural scientists, forming the Social and Economic Research Group (SERG). SERG is a multidisciplinary team bringing together skills in sociology, anthropology, economics, forestry, political science and geography.

This publication highlights what difference our research has made and a selection of our past and ongoing research in areas such as:

• How trees, woods and forests contribute to well-being
• Accessibility, diversity and equality
• Community development
• Forests and governance
• Economics and social forestry.

For further information

For further information please contact Liz O’Brien.