Forests filter and purify the air, regulate floods and stabilise soil, support wildlife and contribute to the mental and physical wellbeing of people, both to those who visit them and those who appreciate their existence.

The Royal Society of Biology recognises the importance of forests within the UK and globally, and champions the valuation of all the Ecosystem Services they provide for land management, habitat provision and human health.

Forest Research and the 2010 Spending Review

We have responded to the Joint Lords and Commons consultation into Forest Research and the 2010 Spending Review, and given oral evidence at the inquiry.
In summary, we responded:

• The 25% reduction in Forestry Commission funding announced in the Spending Review has already dented capacity and will impact on the UK research base in forestry.
• The capacity of Forest Research to collaborate with university academic departments is threatened. Inherent university capacity has reduced in recent years. This is leading to a university skills deficit.
• A significant proportion of Research Council funding for research is directed to overseas programmes, with significant gaps in support of UK-based ecological research.
• Climate change and emerging diseases are already placing significant burdens on capacity; diminishing budgets are likely to make more severe the mismatch between the challenges faced and the capacity available.

The full response on Forest Research and the 2010 Spending Review

Society of Biology gives evidence to Science and Technology Committee on Forestry Research

The Public Forest Estate of England

The Royal Society of Biology also closely follows the Defra announcements on future of forestry in England, the once proposed ‘sell off’ of the Public Forest Estate, and the findings of the Independent Panel on Forestry.

Defra announcement on future of forestry in England

Independent Panel on Forestry Final Report

Government Forestry Policy Statement 2012