Forestry Commission

Forestry Commission Providing expertise and support in order to protect, connect, improve and expand England's woodlands

The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands. If you have a question, the quickest way to get a response is to contact the relevant team via email or phone. Find out how on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commission/about/access-and-opening.

With more than half of England now in drought, the countryside is drier than usual this summer, and wildfires can start ...
31/07/2026

With more than half of England now in drought, the countryside is drier than usual this summer, and wildfires can start and spread quickly. If you're heading out to the countryside or woodlands these school holidays, please stay extra vigilant.

Wildfire risk remains severe across most of the South, Central and East of England into the weekend, with elevated wildfire warnings across the rest of England.

Wildfire destroys fast. You can help protect our countryside.
⚠️ Don't light fires or fireworks
⚠️ Pack a picnic instead of a BBQ
⚠️ Take all litter home

If you spot a wildfire, get to a safe place and call 999.

31/07/2026

Thinking about starting your woodland carbon journey?

The owner of this family farm in the north east of England decided to create over 10 hectares of woodland, planting more than 20,000 trees.

The aim was to capture carbon and help to mitigate against the negative impacts of climate change while providing an income stream.

Watch to find out more, and read the full story here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/woodland-creation-financial-case-study-10-hectare-site

The National Forestry Conference is back for its 9th year.📅 Wednesday 7 October, 8.30am to 4pm, Newbury Racecourse, Berk...
30/07/2026

The National Forestry Conference is back for its 9th year.

📅 Wednesday 7 October, 8.30am to 4pm, Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire

Organised by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Forestry Commission, and Grown in Britain, the theme of this year’s conference is ‘Commerciality through connectivity’.

There will be speakers from the Forestry Commission discussing how stronger links across the supply chain, industry and policy can unlock commercial opportunities and drive success.

Forestry Commission Chair Baroness Barbara Young, and Commissioner Paul Brannen will be keynote speakers at the event.

Book your tickets: https://members.cla.org.uk/MY-CLA/Events/Event-Details/eventDateId/4872

The Royal Forestry Society - RFS has launched their new short animation funded by the Forestry Commission. It explores w...
30/07/2026

The Royal Forestry Society - RFS has launched their new short animation funded by the Forestry Commission.

It explores why felling trees can be necessary for managing habitats, keeping public spaces safe, and producing sustainable materials. It also considers how people's reactions to this important work can impact forestry workers, and is part of an ongoing Royal Forestry Society campaign and research focusing on mental health and wellbeing in the sector, supported by the Forestry Commission.

Watch the animation and find out more: https://rfs.org.uk/insights-publications/mental-health/

29/07/2026

Terry and Tracy Featherstone planted 14 acres of trees on their 50-acre family farm in County Durham with the help of our England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO).

They share how planting 25,000 trees is improving the landscape and helping to tackle climate change, while aligning with their vision of a place that benefits nature, people and the planet.

Watch the full short film on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/vpNBUao78zU?si=s0LOhNPb6LirBhK8

It's World Nature Conservation Day!Our NEW blog post is the latest in our series exploring the UK Forestry Standard. Our...
28/07/2026

It's World Nature Conservation Day!

Our NEW blog post is the latest in our series exploring the UK Forestry Standard. Our Head of Natural Environment, Neil, discusses how small, smart choices can turn your woodland into a wildlife hotspot while still producing timber and supporting long term resilience.

"Healthy, species‑rich woodlands are more than a backdrop to rural life," says Neil. "They are working ecosystems that store carbon, slow water, protect soils and support livelihoods.

"Diverse forests are better able to withstand pests, diseases and extreme weather events. They also provide the flexibility to meet your goals, whether that’s quality timber, nature recovery, public access or all three."

Read the full blog here: https://forestrycommission.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/28/beyond-the-trees-how-to-make-your-woodland-a-wildlife-haven/

Image: James Malone

Have you spotted oak processionary moth caterpillars or nests this season? If you are in an area where oak processionary...
27/07/2026

Have you spotted oak processionary moth caterpillars or nests this season?

If you are in an area where oak processionary moth is known to be present, particularly in London and surrounding counties in south east England, your vigilance can make a big difference in tracking and controlling this pest.

At this stage in the season nests are likely to be discolouring, turning from silky white to brown, and can be found on the trunk or underside of branches on oak trees. Caterpillars are recognisable by their grey bodies with a black stripe down the middle and long white hairs.

If you think you have identified oak processionary moth, never touch the caterpillars or their nests. Their hairs are a hazard to people and animals, causing itchy rashes, eye and throat irritations and, occasionally, breathing difficulties. Even old nests can contain harmful hairs.

See our guidance page for important advice about how to identify and report this tree pest: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-oak-processionary-moth-in-england

Images: old oak processionary moth nest/Robert Cameron. White oak processionary moth nest/Forestry Commission.

Continuing hot and dry weather means there is an amber warning of severe wildfire conditions across most of England this...
24/07/2026

Continuing hot and dry weather means there is an amber warning of severe wildfire conditions across most of England this weekend, and a yellow 'elevated risk' warning across the rest of England.

Wildfire destroys fast. To help protect our countryside:

⚠️ Don't light fires or fireworks
⚠️ Pack a picnic instead of a BBQ
⚠️ Take all litter home

If you spot a wildfire, get to a safe place and call 999.

Did you know? Soil movement is one of the most significant pathways for spreading tree diseases. We can unintentionally ...
24/07/2026

Did you know? Soil movement is one of the most significant pathways for spreading tree diseases.

We can unintentionally contribute to that spread when we visit woodlands, moving soil - and any disease-causing organisms that it might contain - from place to place on our boots.

Research shows that even basic cleaning can significantly reduce the risk.

✅ use a stiff brush and water, remove all soil and organic material from boots, bike tyres, tools and equipment until they are visibly clean

✅ encourage others to take similar precautions when out and about

✅ share our Keep it Clean campaign with others to help spread the word

Wherever possible, carry out cleaning on a hard surface such as paving or gravel, rather than near streams, rivers or drains. When muddy water is allowed to dry on a hard surface, it removes the moisture and organic material that many pests and diseases need to survive.

Just as taking litter home has become second nature, it’s important that everyday biosecurity actions like boot cleaning become a normal part of enjoying and protecting our woodlands and forests.

Find our Keep it Clean resources here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-introduction-and-spread-of-tree-pests-and-diseases -keep-it-clean-campaign

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