1. Forest Research
Woodlands in a
changing climate
Britain’s climate is now changing at a faster
rate than at any time since the last ice age,
posing a threat to many of our tree species
and woodland ecosystems.
By improving our understanding of how
woodland ecosystems respond to
environmental change, our natural and
social scientists are developing practical
guidance for the forestry sector and others
on how best to adapt to climate change.
Our Research Forest flux tower monitors the
exchange of greenhouse gases between the
woodland and the atmosphere. Its results
highlight the importance of woodlands in
absorbing carbon and locking it within the
forest ecosystem.
Our researchers have also developed a UK
forestry carbon inventory, helping to
quantify the contribution of forestry to
greenhouse gas emissions abatement and
climate change mitigation. Our economists
have reviewed ways of valuing this carbon to
help inform the development of a UK
Woodland Carbon Code for forest carbon
sequestration projects.
www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/climatechange