Forestry in the UK

Although there is considerable uncertainty over how climate change will affect forests and woodlands in the 21st century and beyond, it is clear that the effects will vary across the UK. Scotland, northern England and much of Wales are likely to see increased productivity as a result of rising carbon dioxide levels, a longer growing season and a generally warmer climate. However, across much of England, the predicted increase in the frequency and severity of summer droughts suggests that growth rates of many common species will decrease and species suitability will change. The impacts of storms and severe pest and disease outbreaks could, potentially, be more serious than the effects of a gradual change to our climate. However, these predictions are very uncertain because of their complexity.

It is clear that climate change will affect both our semi-natural woodlands and commercial forests. In many cases the effects are likely to be detrimental but there are options for adaptation that should be considered. The most difficult decisions will be in identifying where adaptation is necessary and, most critically, when to act. Climate change, however, does not solely represent a threat to woodland and the forestry sector and opportunities will arise. For example, our forests have a small, but potentially important, role to play in climate change mitigation. And more importantly, forestry has a key role to play in combating climate change by providing alternative energy sources to fossil fuels and low energy, renewable materials. Forests and woodlands can also contribute to flood and erosion control, while their contribution to improving the urban environment should not be underestimated. In some regions, timber production may also increase significantly.

The Forestry Commission is responsible for forestry in England, Scotland and Wales; in Northern Ireland the Forest Service, an Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is the responsible body.