Peter Freer-Smith, BSc, PhD, DSc

 

Research Director

Email: peter.freer-smith@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1420 22255
Tel direct: +44 (0)1420 526211
Fax: +44 (0)1420 23653

Address:
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LH
UK

Peter Freer-Smith studied for his first degree at Stirling University gaining a first class degree in Biological Sciences. His PhD was on the Impacts of Air Pollutants on Trees. Both his PhD and DSc are awarded by the University of Lancaster. Peter did two periods of post-doctoral research at Lancaster before moving to a lecturer’s post at the University of Ulster. He joined the Forestry Commission as Head of Site Studies in 1987.

In June 2005 Peter was appointed Honorary Visiting Professor in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton.

Current role

Research Director

Ensures that Forest Research provides the scientific knowledge and expertise required to achieve sustainable forest management. The Research Director manages the Science and Technical Services divisions, ensures that advice to policy makers and practitioners is based on good scientific understanding and sound research (science quality) and contributes to the formulation and implementation of the Forestry Commission’s policies and objectives.

Additional responsibilities include Head of Station at Alice Holt and representing Forest Research on the Forestry Commission Research Management Board.

Current programmes

Forest Focus Review
One of the team leaders for this independent review of the EU Forest Focus framework and perspectives for the development of Forest Focus related measures after 2006.

Affiliations and achievements

• Honorary Visiting Professor in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton.

Research areas

• Protect Britain’s trees from pests, diseases and threats
• Increase the competitiveness of Britain’s forest resources
• Conserve and improve the biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage of forests and woodlands
• Understand the effects of forests and forestry activities on the environment, increase benefits and reduce adverse impacts