A Data Standard for UK Forestry

Summary Description:

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.