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Trees in a forest at dusk.

Tools & Resources

Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)

Ash dieback is a highly destructive disease of ash trees (Fraxinus species), especially the United Kingdom’s native ash species, common ash (Fraxinus excelsior).

UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)

The reference standard for sustainable forest management in the UK. The UKFS applies to all woodland in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, irrespective of who owns or manages it.

National Forest Inventory

The National Forest Inventory (NFI) programme monitors woodland and trees within Great Britain. It includes the most in depth survey carried out on Britain’s woodlands to date.

Statistics

We produce statistics on a wide range of topics related to forestry.

Pest and Disease Resources

Our trees are under threat from a range of pests and diseases. This page provides links to many of the tree pest and disease resources available from our website.

Ecological Site Classification

Ecological Site Classification (ESC) is a web-based decision support system to help forest managers and planners select tree species that are ecologically suited to particular sites.

Oak processionary moth

The caterpillars (larvae) of oak processionary moth (OPM) are pests of oak trees (trees in the Quercus genus), and a hazard to human and animal health.

Ramorum disease

Phytophthora ramorum is a highly destructive, algae-like organism called a water mould. It causes extensive damage and death to more than 150 plant species, including some forest species.

Acute oak decline

Acute oak decline is an emerging disease of oak trees which was first observed in the UK late in the 20th century. It can kill oak trees within four to six years of the onset of symptoms.

How to Calculate Species Diversity

You first need to calculate the total area of your forest and the area covered by each species. This may be available from inventory data or you might need to carry out a forest survey.

Social and environmental justice

Deprived groups may experience differential access to greenspaces and associated services, which may be detrimental to their well-being.

Carbon emissions of different fuels

Approximate lifecycle carbon emissions of a number of different fuels for heating, transport and power.

Publications

We publish a wide range of information in support of sustainable forest management in Britain. Publications are organised by category in the filtered search below. Our catalogue includes the FC publication library and archive as well as Forest Research articles and guidance.

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Research

You will find information about topics we are currently working on as well as archived material from completed projects. Current topics are what we see as being the key scientific challenges for our sector over the next few years, and details of the types of research we are undertaking in response.

Research

Services

Social and Economic research services

We carry out research to develop a better understanding of the ways in which trees and woodlands can benefit society

Plant, tree, soil and water testing

Chemical analysis of planet, water and soil samples, testing of plant stock quality and tree assessment products

Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service

The Tree Health Diagnostic and Advisory Service provide advice and where possible diagnosis and identification of tree pest and pathogen

DNA-based species identification

By analysis of DNA extracted from samples, Forest Research can identify the presence of cryptic or reclusive species.

Land Use and Ecosystem Services

The Land Use and Ecosystem Services Research Group provides services to the forestry and environment sectors.

Technical Services Unit

The Technical Services Unit (TSU) provides technical and environmental services to a broad range of customers across the UK.

DNA Fingerprinting

Forest Research uses micro-satellite analysis to produce DNA fingerprints from individual plants.

Technical Development services

Technical Development develops, evaluates and promotes safe and efficient equipment and methods of work and provides output information, specialist services and advice on forest operations.

Pest Management

Our approach to management is to breed and release a host-specific predatory beetle, Rhizophagus grandis, that is found within the pest’s natural range.

Urban Trees

Our scientists work on topics relating to planning, management and the protection of urban trees.

Habitat network analysis service

Spatial analysis techniques for habitat networks and working with / delivering tailored habitat network analyses.

Pesticides efficacy testing

Plant protection products – herbicides, insecticides and biocides – are only approved for sale and use in the UK once they have completed rigorous registration test.

Upcoming events

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Watch this space for future events. You can browse our previous events using the button below.

Recent news

Mark your calendars with dates of major events and shows that we’ll be attending in 2024.

Lord Douglas-Miller OBE, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Defra and Minister for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare, visited Forest Research’s Alice Holt research station on Monday, 11 March, 2024, to find out more about our work protecting trees, woodlands and forests from invasive pests and diseases.

A new national monitoring project aims to help prevent the potential spread of a serious pest affecting spruce trees – the larger eight-toothed European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus).

Mark your calendars with dates of major events and shows that we’ll be attending in 2024.

Lord Douglas-Miller OBE, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Defra and Minister for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare, visited Forest Research’s Alice Holt research station on Monday, 11 March, 2024, to find out more about our work protecting trees, woodlands and forests from invasive pests and diseases.

A new national monitoring project aims to help prevent the potential spread of a serious pest affecting spruce trees – the larger eight-toothed European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus).