Forests fit for the future – government funding announced for new forest research
Forests fit for the future – government funding announced for new ... GOV.UK
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Healthy and resilient woodlands supported through new £16 million government funding
UK research into climate and pest resilient woodlands is set to be boosted today with the announcement of £16 million government funding for our world-leading forest scientists.
Our trees are facing unprecedented challenges from the impacts of climate change to an increased risk of tree disease and pests – including ips beetles, Dutch elm disease, and ash dieback. These kinds of diseases threaten valuable habitats for thousands of species of wildlife.
This funding will support vital research into ways to mitigate and prevent these impacts, helping to protect woodlands and plant more trees in the long term.
It comes ahead of Environment Secretary Steve Barclay setting out plans this week to improve access to green space, including a competition for a new National Forest and the unveiling of two new Community Forests – in Derbyshire and the Tees.
The Forest Research program will back 30 projects, working with 27 partner organizations. It will also support efforts to increase England’s tree canopy – one of the government’s key environment targets.
Forestry Minister Rebecca Pow said:
Not only do we need to plant trees, for tomorrow, we also need to support their long-term protection from the host of threats they face due to a changing climate.
Today we are investing a further £16 million in vital research to help support the resilience of our trees and woodland as part of our ambitious plans to increase tree planting across the country.
Professor James Pendlebury, Chief Executive, Forest Research said:
This is a significant and welcome investment in the forest science and evidence needed to underpin the creation of resilient woodlands and their future management and protection. It is also a huge investment in the next generation of forest scientists who will support the development of forests and woodlands fit for the future.
Forestry Commission Chair, Sir William Worsley, said:
Trees can only help mitigate the impact of a changing climate if they are resilient to those challenges themselves.
Forest Research will be vital to supporting tree planting activity through building the evidence base to inform and improve our management of trees and selection of resilient species for the future to increase woodland cover for future generations.
The Forest Research Trees and Forestry evidence program will leave a lasting legacy by providing strong scientific evidence to underpin our future forestry policy and support long-term action for expanding and managing our treescapes.
Our England Trees Action Plan and gov.uk
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