Forestry Commission - News - forests for all our futures

Climate Change is one of the big issues facing us all. Optimising the role of trees and woodlands in helping tackle it and in ensuring our historic wooded landscape survives are key challenges facing land managers today. How we protect this important resource from new pests and diseases is also a vital issue.

That was the message from the Forestry Commission in the South West of England today (Tuesday 3 July), at a region-wide seminar for woodland managers. "Forests for the Future" was hosted by Forestry Commission South West, and included experts from the Commission's research agency, Forest Research.

Woodland managers face a particular climate change challenge, as the decisions they need to take today about planting trees or managing woodlands are looking 50 or 100 years into the future, when today’s seedlings are only just be starting to mature.

A landscape scale approach is essential in tackling some of the challenges climate change presents, and the South West is pioneering this approach in protecting and enhancing it’s ancient woodlands. A session was held covering the mapping of extensive woodland habitat networks, and how this information has been used to maximum effect in implementing work in the region.

The event also included sessions on the potential impacts of changing temperatures, on pests and diseases like Oak Processionary Moth, and the role of woodland in flood management. It also included the sharing of the latest research on the role of trees and woodlands in providing green spaces for recreation, and the subsequent benefits for health and well-being.

Laura Jones, Regional Director for the Forestry Commission in the South West, said:

"The seminar is an opportunity not only to share some of the latest information we have on some of the big challenges we all face, but also a chance to bring people involved in woodlands together.

"Woodlands in this region are managed for timber, for wildlife habitats, and as recreational open spaces for local people to enjoy. They bring value to all these areas of our lives, and our environments, but they need to be managed and looked after to get the best out of them. Sharing our experience, and discussing challenges in events like this, encourages us to work together to make our forests ready for the future, and able to support us through the challenges ahead."

Dr Mark Broadmeadow, who is the Forestry Commission's climate change adviser added:

"Trees are frequently spoken about when people think about climate change, and there has been lots of discussion about carbon offsetting schemes. But they have far more to offer the debate than that; we recently launched the woodfuel strategy for England here in the South West which promotes wood as a sustainable, carbon lean, renewable energy.

“But as well as seeing woodland as a vital resource in the battle against climate change, we also have to weigh up the huge challenges, to prevent our woods becoming victims to rising temperatures and pests which are now making their homes here in warmer climes. Forest Research is at the cutting edge facing these challenges, and coming up with ways of protecting our woodlands over the coming years.

"These events which we are running across the country, are all about sharing the Commission's understanding and expertise, and engaging people in better management of woodlands for us all."

Notes to Editors:

1. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible for forestry in Great Britain. It supports woodland owners with grants; tree felling licences, regulation and advice; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Government on forestry policy. It manages more than a million hectares (2.5 million acres) of national forest land for public benefits such as sustainable timber production, public recreation, nature conservation, and rural and community development. For further information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk.

2. Forest Research is the Commission's research agency. It carries out world-class scientific research and technical development relevant to the forestry and land use sectors for the FC and other organisations. For further information, visit www.forestresearch.gov.uk .

3. The 'Climate Change and Forests for the Future' event is being held at Westonbirt Arboretum on Tuesday 3 July. The full agenda is available from www.forestry.gov.uk/fce-seminars

Media contact: Jo Fowler, on 01223 346 034 or 07833 672903