January 20, 2022

Trees: from a changing climate to increased pests and diseases – what does the science say?

In partnership with the Forestry Commission and Kew Gardens, we invited journalists to a Science Media Centre briefing on Thursday 20 January.

Everyone is talking about trees, but what is the real science behind forestry and managing today’s forests while creating new woodlands that are resilient to climate change?

How we are going to step up and increase tree planting across the country? How we are making sure the forests and woodlands of today and tomorrow are well managed and resistant to some of the threats facing them: from a changing climate to increased pests and diseases. How can they also tackle the nature crisis and still give the nation sustainable and renewable products and services?  

Outlining the relationship between trees and climate change, this expert panel discussed the role trees play in the wider journey to net zero, and some of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This was a chance for the journalists to hear from some of the nation’s leading scientists who are were also able to answer some of the myths and common misconceptions of this topic.

Speakers included:

Mark Broadmeadow, Principal Adviser Climate Change at Forestry Commission

James Morison, Senior Climate Change Scientist at Forest Research

Nicola Spence, Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer

Ed Ikin, Director of Wakehurst and former Head of Landscape, Horticulture and Research at Kew Gardens