UK Announces Investments in Climate and Pest Resilient Woodlands Research

The United Kingdom announced on Monday (11-27-23) that it was investing £16 million ($20.2 million) to boost the country’s world-leading research scientists in the development of climate and pest resilient woodlands.

According to the press release, UK trees are facing unprecedented challenges from the impacts of climate change to an increased risk of tree disease and pests—including ips beetles, Dutch elm disease, and ash dieback. These kinds of damage threaten valuable habitats for thousands of species of wildlife. This funding will support vital research into ways to mitigate and prevent these impacts, helping to protect woodlands and plant more trees in the long term.

The funding comes ahead of Environment Secretary Steve Barclay setting out plans later in the week to improve access to green space, including a competition for a new national forest and the unveiling of two new community forests.

The Forest Research program will back 30 projects, working with 27 partner organizations. It will also support efforts to increase England’s tree canopy—one of the government’s key environment targets.