Deputy Head of Social and Economic Research Group, Centre for Human and Ecological Sciences
Email: liz.obrien@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1420 22255
Tel direct: +44 (0)1420 526155
Fax: +44 (0)1420 23563
Address:
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LH
UK
Dr Liz O’Brien joined Forest Research in 2000, after completing a PhD at the University of Central Lancashire which involved research into land management and environmental conservation practices of organisations, landowners and farmers.
Current role
Deputy Head of Social and Economic Research Group, Centre for Human and Ecological Sciences
Contributing to the social research programmes, Liz is currently carrying out research which is exploring the ways in which publics’ value woodlands and trees in both England and Vermont, USA. Evaluations are currently taking place of Forestry Commission projects focusing on people’s health under the health and well-being theme. Forest School is also being evaluated through the education and learning theme.
Current programmes
Trees and woods for wellbeing and quality of life
Project Manager
Collaborative frameworks in land management: a case-study of wild deer in Britain
Affiliations and achievements
Organised a range of seminars and conferences to raise debate and generate discussion for future research:
| Conferences/Seminars | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Social Forestry | 2000 | Alice Holt, Farnham |
| Social Science Research into Woodlands and the Natural Environment | 2001 | Cardiff University |
| Health and Well-Being: Trees, Woodlands and Natural Spaces | 2003 | Dumfries, London and Cardiff |
| Accessibility of Woodlands and Natural Spaces: Addressing Crime and Safety Issues | 2004 | London |
Research areas
- Social and cultural values
- Health and well-being
- Education and learning
- Accessibility: crime, safety and risk
Main recent publications
O’Brien, L., Williams, K and Stewart A. (2010). Urban health and health inequalities and the role of trees, woods and forests in Britain: a review (PDF-2172K). Report to the Forestry Commission.
O’Brien, L. (2010). ‘Its fun to play about in’ children’s health and the outdoors – setting the scene. Countryside Recreation Network.
O’Brien, L., Owen, R., Singh, J and Lawrence, A. (2009). Social dynamics of London’s trees, woodlands and green spaces. Forestry Commission England, London.
O’Brien, E. (2009). Learning outdoors: the Forest School approach. Invited paper. Education 3-13, 37: 45-60.
O’Brien, L and Morris, J. (2009). Active England: The Woodland Projects (PDF-2132K). Report to the Forestry Commission, pp 76.
Carter, C. and O’Brien, L. (2008). Identity building in the woods: re-connecting with nature for health and well-being. ECOS. 29: 33-41
O'Brien, L and Murray, R. (2007). Forest School and its impacts on young children: case studies in Britain. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 6: 249-265.
O’Brien, E. and Snowdon, H. (2007). Health and well-being in woodlands: a case study of the Chopwell Wood Health Project. Arboricultural Journal 30: pp45-60.
O’Brien, E. (2006). Strengthening heart and mind”: using woodlands to improve mental and physical well-being. Unasylva 224. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
O’Brien, E. and Murray, R. (2006). A marvellous opportunity for children to learn (PDF-1527K). A participatory evaluation of Forest School in England and Wales. Forest Research, Farnham.
O’Brien, E. (2006). Social housing and greenspace: a case study in inner London. Forestry. DOI: 10.1039/forestry/cp1029
O'Brien, E. Greenland, M and Snowdon, H. (2006). Using woodlands and woodland grants to improve public health. Scottish Forestry, 60, 2: 18-24
O’Brien, E. (2006). A question of value: what do trees and forests mean to people in Vermont? Landscape research 31, 3: 257-275
O’Brien, E. (2005). Trees and woodlands - Nature's health service(PDF-2825K). Information and evidence supporting the idea that the use and enjoyment of woodlands and green spaces improves people’s overall health and well-being. Forest Research, Farnham.
O’Brien, E. (2005). Publics and woodlands: well-being, local identity, social learning, conflict and management. Forestry, DOI:10.1093/forestry/cpi042
O’Brien, E. (2005). Bringing together ideas of social enterprise, education and community woodland: the hill holt wood approach. Scottish Forestry 59: 7-14.
O’Brien, E. (2005). Tackling youth disaffection through woodland vocational training. Quarterly Journal of Forestry 99: 125-130.
O'Brien, E. (2005). Social and cultural values of trees and woodlands in northwest and southeast England. Forest Snow and Landscape Research, 79: 169-184.
O’Brien, E. and Tabbush, P. (2005). Accessibility of woodlands and natural spaces (PDF - 1406K). Addressing crime and safety issues. Forest Research, Farnham.
O’Brien, E. (2004). A sort of magical place(PDF-2525K). People's experiences of woodlands in northwest and southeast England. Forest Research, Farnham.
Tabbush, P and O’Brien E (2003). Health and Well-being: Trees, Woodlands and Natural Spaces. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.
O’Brien, E. (2003). Human values and their importance to the development of forestry policy in Britain: a literature review. Forestry 76: 3-17.
O’Brien, E. (2003). Public and institutional perspectives on forests and trees: views from Vermont and England. Scottish Forestry 57: 73-80.
O’Brien, E and Claridge, J (Eds) (2002) .Trees are company: social science research into woodlands and the natural environment. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.
O’Brien, E. (2002). Current and future directions for social forestry research. In Trees are company: Social science research into woodlands and the natural environment. E O’Brien and J Claridge (Eds) Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.
Burgess, J and O’Brien, E. (2002). Trees, woods and forests: an exploration of personal and collective values. In Trees are company: Social science research into woodlands and the natural environment. E. O’Brien and J Claridge (Eds) Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.
O’Brien, E. (2001). Social Forestry: Questions and issues. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.
