What are research forests?
Traditionally, most research undertaken by Forest Research has been in the forest, for example through field experimentation, monitoring and survey, or data gathering to support modelling. These activities will remain essential in the future, but there is increasing interest in building studies across the disciplines in order to deliver outputs that are integrated and holistic. An important mechanism for achieving this kind of research is to focus on specific study areas.
Research forests have been established in many countries to facilitate integrated study and provide a permanent ‘home’ for successive research projects.
Locations
- Alice Holt Forest (Hampshire, England)
Britain’s first research forest, set up in 2006 in conjunction with Forest Enterprise in England. - Dyfi Catchment and Woodland Research Platform (Gwynedd, Wales)
Launched in March 2012 in association with Forestry Commission Wales and Aberystwyth University. - Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (Stirlingshire, Scotland)
We intend to launch a third research forest in autumn 2013 in association with Forestry Commission Scotland.
Why use a research forest?
Research forests have been designed to encourage the participation of all those interested in forestry research. Application to work in these forests is particularly welcome from those in other research institutions and the university sector, both at home and abroad.
Benefits of working in research forests
Further information
If you would like more details on the research forests or to discuss the possibility of carrying out research at them, please see the contact information on the respective locations pages above.
The Research Forest project is managed within the Integrated Forest Monitoring research programme, funded by the Forestry Commission.