Infrastructure itself will need to be modified to continue to function under future climate conditions and to accommodate adapting forest management practices:

• Drainage systems will need additional capacity due to an increase in winter rainfall. Specifications will need to be modified, such as increasing the size and number of drainage culverts or adding more areas for run-off capture to reduce diffuse pollution risks.
• Forest roads may need to withstand an increase in traffic for harvesting or thinning operations, biodiversity or recreation management, or to remove damaged or diseased trees.
• To support wildfire response, the layout of the forest road network and provision of water supplies need to be considered. Turning areas, passing places, hard standings, and weight limits to accommodate HGV access will support the fire and rescue services. Water supplies include hydrants, fire ponds and fire-fighting dams. Further details about infrastructure planning for wildfire resilience and response are included in Forestry Commission Practice Guide 22: Building wildfire resilience into forest management planning.

Impacts on infrastructure outside the forest and their impacts on forest industries should also be considered, including impacts on timber transport, power and communications networks, staff travel, and working conditions. Adaptation measures should be incorporated in business continuity plans.

Utilities and infrastructure (not related to forest operations) may be located on or adjacent to forest sites, include power lines, communications networks, fuel lines, water pipes, and wind turbines. The risk to these assets from climate change impacts on the forest should be considered, and adaptation measures agreed in partnership with the provider.

For further advice see the UKFS Practice Guide ‘Adapting forest and woodland management to the changing climate’