Projects in Progress

The UK forestry sector is collecting increasing volumes of data through new technologies, yet the absence of a shared data standard prevents this information from being effectively used across policy, practice and research. This limits efficiency, innovation and reduces the public and private value of data already being collected.

This discovery project will assess the need for a UK Forestry Data Standard by reviewing standards used in other countries and sectors, analysing the current challenges of data sharing in UK forestry, and consulting with stakeholders across policy, practice and research.

The project will produce a rationale and roadmap for the development of a UK Forestry Data Standard, including scope, governance options, costs and implementation routes — or, if appropriate, evidence that an alternative approach would be more effective.

The Trustees of Scotland’s Finest Woods (SFW) have identified a need to stimulate more applications to its annual awards programme and to meet its broader educational objectives through improved promotion of Award winners as case studies of contemporary forestry demonstrating best practice. This requires an improved website with new functionality such as the ability of awards’ entrants to submit their entries online and for case studies of winners to be highlighted, with links to other media platforms to enable this.

By showcasing Scotland’s Finest Woods, the Awards contribute to the SFT priority: “Understanding and planning for the forests, woodlands and urban trees of the future and the wider landscapes that they will sit within.”

Sustainable forest management in Britain must balance environmental, economic and social values. Foresters must integrate many factors to maintain timber production while preserving ecosystem functions. One approach that delivers this balance is called Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF), which involves decisions at the individual tree level.

Through tree marking - the selection of trees to retain/remove at each intervention - a forester can link their planning and design work with action that brings about positive change in the forest. However, training in this area is lacking and recognised as a barrier to wider use of CCF. This project, therefore, addresses a national training priority. It includes the development of a course and establishment of a training site at Darnaway Forest, with two training plots called Marteloscopes. The primary focus is skills development but there is significant opportunity for research on human-tree decision making.

Phase 1 of the Nano-Nurseries project comprised a physical workshop in August 2024, jointly funded by the Scottish Forestry Trust and Future Woodlands Scotland. The findings from this workshop provided the basis for the development of Phase 2 of the project. The preparation of the proposal for Phase 2 has been based on the findings and recommendations collected from a range of individuals and organisations representing small native tree growers located throughout Scotland. These nurseries are typically independent growers of small quantities of native trees (c. less than 100,000 trees per annum).

For the purposes of this proposal tree growing nurseries of this size are termed ‘nano- nurseries’. The main objective of Phase 2 is the formal development of a nano-nursery network delivering targeted support and training for small tree nurseries located throughout Scotland, with delivery of expected outcomes over a three-year period.

Objectives:

1. Demonstrate the relevance of trees, forests and woodlands to participants’ everyday lives and global issues using outdoor settings;
2. Develop participants’ curiosity to become comfortable in nature, actively ask questions of their surroundings and develop an understanding of the scientific method;
3. Impart an understanding of how careers in forestry/forest science covers a broad spectrum of opportunities/activities and is open to all;
4. Empower participants to become forestry/forest science ambassadors for others in their peer groups.

Outputs (per year):

• Weeklong residential field-trip for 12-15 participants from the target group
• Short film, social media content and ambassador outreach
• Project report and academic paper

Outcomes:

• Robust design developing EDI in forestry ready to be scaledup and rolled out UK-wide
• An uptick in EDI in the wider forestry industry and education

The project is a 70,000-word book, published traditionally (by one of the ‘Big 6’ publishers, including publisher marketing) which aims to re-connect the general public with foresters and their work. The book, which should be out in bookshops by 2027/28, will reach a broad readership and aims to educate the reader about the many uses timber and forests have to our society as well as help to deepen our nation's love of woodland.

With the kind support of SFT, Confor and Prosper (was SCDI) have partnered in a pilot initiative to expose young people to the range of opportunities that exist within the forestry and timber technologies sector via STEM club activity in schools. The aim now is to further expand the initiative geographically and attract a new partner – South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) for years 2 and 3 of a 3-year project. Prosper has access to over 1600 primary and secondary schools across Scotland via their Young Engineers and Science Clubs and they operate a number of initiatives and competitions to excite and engage young people of all ages. This expanding partnership initiative will target S1-S3 pupils in the Highland Council area on two programmes – Climate Smarter and Highland Celebration of Engineering starting and extend this to Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders in the Academic Year beginning August 2025.

The world’s forests have been experiencing a dramatic increase in emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), posing threats to biodiversity and productivity. However, the mechanism of how forest pathogens affect tree mortality and the carbon budget is unclear. This project aims to develop a general model that can be used to predict tree mortality rates and carbon dynamics driven by forest pests and pathogens by coupling epidemiological and biophysical processes.

Beginning with a prevalent disease (ash dieback), the project will model the net ecosystem exchange, with its parameters calibrated using data from Wytham Woods alongside data from 80 peer reviewed papers across Europe. Then, the project will expand to other major forest pests and pathogens for developing a general EID-driven global dynamic vegetation model (DGVM), with calibration data collected from population and biogeochemical surveys.

This project aims to advance our understanding of tree diseases as drivers of tree mortality rates and carbon dynamics as well as provide easy-to-use tools that will enable landowners to better forecast tree mortality and carbon storage on their land.

This PhD project will investigate treeline sites in Scotland that have been colonised by Sitka spruce from plantation sources, seeking to understand spatial patterns and the influence of landscape scale features on Sitka colonisation, the impacts on biodiversity and treeline development and the long-term implications of treeline colonisation. The project takes a neutral perspective and has the potential to identify both risks and benefits of Sitka at treeline sites. The project team includes diverse members from academia, government agencies, forest industry and private landowners and the outcomes of the work will include academic, policy and management outputs, creating impact by providing evidence and recommendations for forestry practice and biodiversity conservation.

Protection of genetic diversity within tree species (genetic resources) is vital to ensure their long-term capability to adapt to change. Juniper (Juniperus communis) is under severe pressure in the UK due to its highly reduced and fragmented population size, low regeneration rates, climate change and the arrival of a novel pathogen, Phytophthora austrocedri. This project enables extension of an existing M.Sc. project into a PhD studentship. The results will address fundamental gaps in the understanding of genetic diversity in Juniper, and will translate that into conservation measures via the EUFORGEN dynamic conservation framework. The student will make use of excellent baseline datasets and experiments, and will generate new global data. The project will aim to:

1. Characterise genetic diversity in natural populations
2. Quantify adaptive genetic variation in experimental populations
3. Translate research findings into guidance for management and restoration

This PhD project sets out to explore how we create multifunctional forests in the UK context to optimise biodiversity, carbon sequestration and economic value for timber production and maximise their public acceptability in the context of ambitious targets for forest and woodland expansion and the likelihood of increasing land-use conflict in an environmentally uncertain future. The project integrates a diverse and experienced multidisciplinary team across academia, government agency and private land-owner to deliver outcomes expected to include policy and management advice, published outputs in peer reviewed academic and practitioner journals and a Forest Research research note. The project is designed to generate impact through revised guidance in future forestry, land use and biodiversity strategies.

Drought-induced, radial-longitudinal stem cracks are a consequence of meteorological drought. Sitka spruce stands in North-East of Scotland have been reported to have suffered cracks due to hot and dry summers. Since then, these areas have been classified as high drought risk mainly because of their freely-drain soil. However, very little is known about the physiological water stress trees are experiencing. This project will quantify the magnitude and duration of water stress of the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum of Sitka spruce in two locations to evaluate the role of water stress in stem cracks. The researchers will use the latest technology in the "Internet of Things" sensors with a newly developed method of quantifying water stress based on electric circuit theory. Evidence  will be proviedd for areas where trees are experiencing water stress, leading to potential stem cracks.

This three year Bursary project aims to improve strength grading options for home-grown hardwoods, allowing them to be used in construction, raising value, and meeting national objectives for more environmentally friendly buildings. Current options are limited, so the researcher will create the foundation for a more cost-effective route to establishing grading, and easier-to-apply visual grading rules for small producers. Properties of three, strategically chosen, home-grown hardwood species will be characterised by non-destructive methods and small clear testing. Models will be created for predicting full-size timber properties from these measurements. It will be explored how these models can be used for timber grading, and transferred to other hardwood species. Potential for working within the current framework of standards and regulations will be assessed. It is expected that some results will combine with related research in Europe, to directly influence the revision of key standards e.g. EN384.

This project aims to investigate the effectiveness of one-way structures in allowing hares to escape from fenced woodland enclosures. This will be done through implementing innovative exit structures to allow for the safe passageway of hares, and to subsequently monitor the use of the structures by hare species through the implementation of camera traps. This will allow for a greater insight into the behaviour of hare species, and into the practicality of exit structures in protecting newly planted trees against hare damage. Furthermore, this will set a precedent for greater research into more effective alternatives to hare management within the forestry industry. 

The purpose of this funding initiative is to provide support for conference attendance by recently qualified forestry researchers (those with fewer than 4 years post-doctoral experience, or for non-doctoral staff fewer than 7 years post-graduate experience) who are employed in UK research institutes. The support is aimed at staff attending conferences both in the UK and overseas at which they may be involved in presentations (including posters) or actively building networks or contacts linked to future research funding proposals. Those attending will be expected to provide the Trust with a short report on their experience at the event including any networking outcomes achieved. Applications should be submitted on behalf of the attendees by the employing organisation.

This is now a rolling fund and with a defined budget of £5,000 per annum. Applications can be submitted at any time.

This Bursary project aims to use Raman spectroscopy to deepen the understanding of fungal infections within trees, specificall ash die back and oak powdery mildew. This will involve examining the leaf wax and cuticle layers of leaves from the respective trees and using Raman spectroscopy to identify any microscopic chemical changes. This knowledge will be used to develop a sensor to allow early identification of ash dieback and oak powdery mildew in the field.

The project will be building on current and past research into leaf Raman spectroscopy by developing a detailed model of fungal infection and resistance.

The high cost of returning to a site and removing and disposing of used plastic tree shelters at the end of their useful life has meant that in many cases they are simply left to gradually photodegrade. Not only is this unsightly, but it forms a source of plastic micro pollution in the developing forest. For this reason, a number of manufacturers have been striving in recent years to develop tree shelters, often made from materials other than conventional plastics, that could in theory be left in situ on site without a need for them to be removed and recycled.

This project aims to independently verify the durability and efficacy of a range of these alternative products. Depending on results, the intention would be to publish at least one paper in a reputable peer reviewed scientific journal to publicise our findings. In addition, a dedicated webpage will be set up, and at least one trade journal article will be produced to publicise the scientific paper, and to give clear, practical recommendations for managers.

This is a partnership initiative between Confor and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) to expose young people to the range of opportunities that exist within the forestry and timber technologies sector via STEM club activity in schools. The pilot is planned to last 3 years in the first instance and will target S1-S3 pupils in the Highland Council area on two programmes - Climate Smarter and Highland Celebration of Engineering starting in the Academic Year 2021/2022. Climate Smarter involves pupils engaging in a project around future schools and a resource pack on use of homegrown timber in buildings will be integrated into this successful SCDI programme. The partnership and initial engagement with schools will focus around an event linked to COP26.

SCDI have access to over 1600 primary and secondary schools across Scotland via their YOung Engineers and Science Clubs and they operate a number of initiatives and competitions to excite and engage young people of all ages.

This research project supported by the Bursary Fund wil evaluate the use of entomological Integrated Pest Management in forestry, using case studies to identify the drivers and barriers to successful implementation, and form consluding recommendations to enhance forestry practice. The case studies will focus on the great spruce bark beetle (Dendroctonus micans) and the large pine weevil  (Hylobius abietis).

Protection of genetic diversity within tree species (genetic resources) is vital to ensure their long-term capability to adapt to change. Juniper (Juniperus communis) is under severe pressure in the UK due to its highly reduced and fragmented population size, low regeneration rates, climate change and the arrival of a novel pathogen, Phytophthora austrocedri.

This project will help to support an MPhil studentship to address fundamental gaps in our understanding of levels and management of genetic diversity in Juniper in the UK, and to translate that into conservation measures via the EUFORGEN dynamic conservation framework.

The project will aim to:

1. Characterise genetic diversity in natural populations

2. Quantify adaptive genetic variation in experimental populations

3. Translate research findings into guidance for management and restoration

Note this project was adjusted and fund reduced due to changes in research students in 2022.

The ‘Boom and Bust’ (masting) patterns of acorn production have significant economic impacts: it results in an unreliable annual supply of well-adapted and high-quality acorns to forestry, while there is a high demand every year. Shortages are problematic since recalcitrant seeds cannot easily be stored, imported seeds may be of an unsuitable provenance and pose biosecurity risks. The aim of this doctoral research is to investigate the highly variable acorn production by native oak in the UK, so as to inform seed supply industry and seed stand management.

It will aim to answer the questions:

1. What is the (historic pattern) of masting and mean acorn production in the UK at the seed zone level?

2. When, and at what phenological stage is seed development currently halted (i.e. what are the premature abscission rates at each phenological stage)?

Whilst current approaches to the use of wood are highly optimised and integrated, novel technologies can be developed that further improve the efficiency of use of all the possible product streams. The current use of LIGNIN derived from wood is to burn it and this represents an inefficient use of this potentially valuable resource. It is desirable to convert wood into a set of product streams that can be used for several different applications.

One of these streams should be a high quality Lignin, whilst other streams should contain cellulose and hemicellulose-derived sugars. Current methods of isolating high quality lignin from (i) Sitka spruce and (ii) mixtures of soft and hardwoods can be improved. After isolation from the wood, it will be advantageous to purify (fractionate) the Lignin before attempts are made to convert it to feedstock chemicals. The proposed programme of work builds on these assumptions.

Habitat restoration involving woody species is critical for halting and reversing biodiversity loss and mitigating climate change impacts. However forests are complex ecological systems and present major challenges for successful restoration sustainable management. Innovative conservation practices are needed to achieve effective restoration across upland landscapes and reduce risks of habitat fragmentation in the face of changes in climate and grazing regimes in Britain post-2020.

This research will investigate how exploiting microsite factors, mycorrhizal associations and natural regeneration potential can be used to improve the outcomes of montane scrub restoration projects in Britain. It intends to aid the development of conservation management techniques which will create healthy and sustainable upland tree populations, thereby facilitating the long-term resilience of this biodiverse habitat and the expansion of the treeline ecotone.