Consultancy and research services

 

Forest Research scientists provide a number of research and consultancy services, both in the UK and internationally.  Some services are fee-based and others are free.

In addition we undertake collaborative bids with other research providers.

Our forestry based services include:

• Alice Holt research forest
  • Conduct studies at Alice Holt in a known context with access to the forest and 50 years’ historic scientific data
• Ecological research services
  • Presentations at workshops and field events and advice by phone and e-mail and visits to give individual advice in context on:
    • Suitability of sites for restoring peatland habitats
    • Lowland woodland restoration
    • Managing existing open habitats and restoring priority open habitats.
    • Priority species management
    • Deer and stock management in forests and woodlands
    • Grey squirrel management and control, and red squirrel conservation
    • Protecting trees from wildlife impacts
    • Risks from alien invasive species
  • Surveys:
    • Identification of Sphagnum Moss species and advice on conservation management
  • DNA analysis:
    • Molecular genotyping of tree species (eg. black poplar)   
    • Real-time PCR tests to differentiate between animal species from droppings and scats (e.g. fox vs pine marten; black grouse, red grouse and capercaillie.
  • GIS analysis:
    • Habitat network mapping
    • Advice on interpreting habitat network maps used by Forestry Commission Wales and Forestry Commission Scotland
    • Incorporation of habitat network mapping into spatial planning
  • Facilities for testing physical barriers, chemical and physical deterrents against:
    • Grey Squirrels
    • Rabbits 
    • Roe deer
    • Muntjac deer
• Environmental research services
  • Expert advice in environmental research fields
  • Chemical analysis of plant tissue, soil and water samples
  • Environmental impact assessments
  • Physical environmental sustainability audits (site/forest specific)
  • Catchment based critical load assessments
  • Brown field site investigations
  • Soil-forming material advisory service for land reclamation
  • Testing service for novel products/amendments for land reclamation
• Social research services
  • Advice on the design and conduct of social research
  • Research project design and management
  • Advice on social forestry issues
• Technical development services
  • Evaluation and development work on forestry and associated operations.
• Technical services (fieldwork and nursery services)
  • Technical and environmental services to scientists, woodland managers and land based industries
• Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service

Our customers include:

• UK Government departments
• European Union
• UK research councils
• Commercial organisations
• Private individuals
• Charities.

For further information

If you require further information or wish to contract us to perform research or for any of the above services then:

• See the respective web pages, for example related to the area of consultancy or research that you require, where you will find the appropriate contact details or
• Email us at research.info@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or
• Complete the on-line information request form or
• Contact our Business Development and Marketing Manager at the address below.

Alison Melvin
Commercial Director
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LH

Tel: 01420 22255 (direct: 01420 526217)
Fax:01420 520417

Email: alison.melvin@forestry.gsi.gov.uk