The Future of UK Treescapes programme was about understanding the environmental, social, economic and cultural roles of the UK’s trees, woodlands and forests. Our research will help guide decisions on expanding and protecting these areas for the benefit of the climate, nature and people.

The Programme took a holistic approach, examining how different factors interact over time and across various scales. Science researchers working within the programme used advanced technologies like remote sensing and genetic analysis to understand treescape resilience and biodiversity. Arts, humanities and social science researchers developed innovative methods to articulate community responses to treescapes and to visualise and dramatise treescape/community relationships and climate change.

By creating and linking environmental, social and economic datasets to cultural and behavioural knowledge, the Programme transformed our understanding of how treescapes work and how we can manage them.

Researchers developed and tested new ways to manage landscapes. They addressed current climate and economic challenges while also taking advantage of new opportunities in green markets and the bioeconomy.

Ultimately, the Programme aimed to provide a strong research foundation for understanding the current benefits of UK treescapes and planning for their future. The tools, knowledge and methods that were developed will help measure the impact of different treescape designs and support policies that promote the environmental benefits of trees.