About Forest Research

Who we are

Forest Research (FR) is the research agency of the Forestry Commission (FC) and Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research. FR is internationally renowned for the provision of science, research, evidence, data and services in support of sustainable forestry.

Our vision

To be a world leader in applied forest science and a trusted and recognised provider of expertise, data, products and services for government and the tree, wood, forest and natural resources sectors.

Our key strategic themes

Engaging with customers

Our customers are our primary focus. We will conduct timely, rigorous and independent research to give our customers the quality science, evidence, data, products and services they need to make informed decisions, support policy development, or develop and grow their businesses.

Developing our science and data offer

Using and adapting new technology, techniques and approaches are fundamental to our provision of quality research and data services. Our interdisciplinary science and data provision will offer trusted and quality-assured insight and innovation.

Increasing our value

Through well-established connections across the forestry sector, we understand the issues facing our trees, woods and forests and those involved with them. We will continue to give the best research advice, information and data to our customers and to grow our business.

Working together

Forest Research’s staff are fundamental to our success.  Their expertise, pride and passion have made us the UK’s leading provider of applied forest research. We recognise that our future reputation depends on the work we will do, not just on the work we have done.

As part of the wider Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), family, FR will help to deliver Defra’s Strategy, A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment which sets out a shared vision and set of objectives for the Defra group including at its heart creating a great place to live.