Earlier this month UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced the successful Treescapes research bids. Forest Research has secured participation in three of the funded projects.

Newly published report collates the findings of research investigating how people visited nature and their experiences of it during the Covid-19 restrictions of 2020.

Forest Research has carried out a survey and interviews to find out if the COVID-19 restrictions of spring to early autumn 2020 led to changes in people’s interactions with trees, woodlands and wider nature. The research illustrates the important role that trees, woodlands and wider nature can play as part of people’s everyday lives and in supporting and protecting their wellbeing under the very difficult circumstances of a global pandemic.

Recently published research sheds light on the learning gained from the Active Forests Programme in England about how to encourage and sustain levels of physical activity.

A study is underway to evaluate the use of nature and nature-based activities to help integrate migrants in Sweden and promote good health.

Research concludes payments for ecosystem services, networks and social learning could be helpful approaches to encourage woodland management

Understanding the contribution of forests to human health and well-being

Active Forest Evaluation

Over the next two years, social scientists at Forest Research are working with Kew’s Learning and Participation staff and programme participants to co-design and carry out an evaluation of the Temperate House Activity Plan.