Factsheets

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This series of factsheets are aimed at practitioners, individuals and organisations wanting to understand more about trees, woodlands and forests and climate change.

They demonstrate how forests and woodlands might help mitigate the effects of climate change and highlight ways in which management practice may need to adapt to increase resilience. We also look at the effects of climate change on tree diseases and the potential impact on our woodlands.

Climate change and forests

How do woodlands and forests affect the climate? Topics include the carbon cycle, energy exchange and greenhouse gases.

Climate change and adaptation

How can we adapt our forests and woodlands for the changing climate? A brief overview of adaptation measures including increasing tree species diversity and thinning.

Climate change, flooding and forests

How can forestry help reduce flooding? We look at the effects of forests on flooding and the different factors that influence the impact of tree planting and forest management on flood flows.

Climate change and biodiversity

Can biodiversity help our woodlands in a changing climate? We summarise the benefits of genetic diversity, species diversity and community and ecosystem diversity, together with management at different spatial scales.

Peatlands, forestry and climate change

What role can forest-to-bog restoration play? This factsheet explains how forestry affects the carbon stored in peat and the role forest-to-bog restoration can play in reducing carbon emissions.

Climate change and tree diseases

How are root pathogens likely to be influenced by climate change? We look at the likely impact of climate change on the spread and severity of honey fungus disease, root rot and oak decline.

Climate change and diseases of tree foliage

Will foliar diseases become more damaging to our trees? We look at the six main foliar pathogens that are already causing significant damage to conifers and broadleaf species in the UK.

Climate change and tree diseases (Canker)

How will canker pathogens be influenced by climate change? A brief overview of tree diseases affecting horse chestnut, sycamore and sweet chestnut and the impact of international trade.

Climate change and tree diseases (Phytophthora)

This factsheet summarises phytophthora diseases that are likely to increase with climate change including P.austrocedri and P. ramorum and the impact of climate change on tree pathogens.

Climate change and ecosystem services

In this factsheet we discuss how trees and woodlands provide ecosystem services which could help us mitigate and adapt to the climate emergency.

Climate change and urban forests

Can urban forests help cities adapt to climate change? This factsheet looks at how urban forests can be help reduce climate change and help urban society cope with its impact.

Climate change and human behaviours

How can understanding behaviours contribute to climate change? We look at principles for influencing behaviour and how behaviours can be targeted to encourage climate change action.

Climate change and risks

What are the key risks to our forests and woodlands? This factsheet summarises the six key risks and outlines appropriate measures to reduce the potential impact on our forests and the ecosystem services they provide.

Climate change and forest carbon

How much carbon is there in our woodlands? Forests are a key part of the global carbon cycle and this factsheet helps outline how much carbon trees and woodlands in the UK take up, and how much they store.

Climate change and species choice

What are the key factors to consider when choosing tree species for a new or existing woodland? In this factsheet we provide guidance on how to match species to site and future conditions to develop more resilient forests and woodlands.

Climate change and insect pests

Will the impact of damaging forest insects increase with climate change? In this factsheet we discuss the effect of warmer temperatures on specific pest insects and how severe weather events may reduce host-tree resistance.

Climate change and provenance

The choice of provenance of planting stock can help increase resilience to climate change risks and encourage regeneration. This factsheet includes guidance on provenance choice for both non-native and new native woodlands in the UK.

Climate change research

Forest Research has been carrying out research for many years that helps us understand the direct and indirect impacts of climate change, the role of trees and forestry in helping reduce impacts, and the ways that management practices may need to change to provide resilient trees, woodlands and forests for the future.

If you are looking for more detailed information about climate change research, including collaborative projects, reports, studies and publications, please use the search tool on our main website.

Download the UKFS Adaptation Practice Guide

Download the UKFS Adaptation Practice Guide

Download the UKFS Adaptation Practice Guide

Download the UKFS Adaptation Practice Guide

Download the UKFS Adaptation Practice Guide

Download the UKFS Adaptation Practice Guide

Climate change research