Ministers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed a new direction for publicly funded science and innovation in forestry.
A new joint strategy was published today, following consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. This is the first time that such a strategy has covered all four countries of the United Kingdom.
Among its aims, the strategy sets out to improve the base of scientific evidence for effective policy and practice, with increased emphasis on communications and knowledge transfer. Recent shifts in importance of the social elements of forestry, and of climate change, on the political agenda were reflected in the feedback received from the consultation exercise. This has resulted in a repositioning of major research priorities. The strategy acknowledges that this will require careful planning and detailed reviews of current programmes.

Innovation has also increased its position in the list of priorities, with additional expenditure expected to become available to encourage special projects, new partnerships and imaginative research avenues.

In another first, the Forestry Commission has set up a Board to oversee the implementation and revision of the strategy, and to ensure that country interests are properly represented. In line with the strategy's aims to forge tighter links between science and policy, the formation and structure of the new Research Strategy Management Board is expected to promote much closer working between scientists, expert advisers, policy makers and those who deliver on the ground.

The strategy's publication was welcomed by Tim Rollinson, Director-General of the Forestry Commission, who said:

"We listened to what our stakeholders said they wanted, and expect to make some major immediate changes as a result. In particular, we need to improve the communication of the knowledge we accumulate; to integrate our research activity better with other land-based activities; to increase our investment in social and economic research; and, crucially, to improve our knowledge of climate change. These are important changes in direction that will mean reducing our current commitments in some areas, and this will require some hard choices and very careful planning."

Malcolm Beatty, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Ireland Forest Service, added:

“This Strategy reflects the common interests of forest users and forest owners throughout the UK. By working together to pool our knowledge and breadth of experience we have increased our ability to make sure that solutions to forestry problems will remain soundly based and stand the test of time. We in Northern Ireland are delighted to be part of this strategy.”

One of the outcomes of consultation was clear stakeholder support for Forest Research, the Forestry Commission's world-renowned research agency. It is expected that Forest Research will continue to provide the bulk of the Commission's needs for research and scientific advice, although other sources will also be used, including sponsorship of studentships and bursaries.
The publication, entitled "Science and Innovation Strategy for British Forestry", can be downloaded via a link from the following page on the Forestry Commission's website, www.forestry.gov.uk/research