Expanding the Horizons of UK Treescapes: Welcoming a Fifth Project to the Fold

Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash

A fifth project receives Future of UK Treescapes funding, completing Call 3’s lineup of knowledge exchange projects set to elevate the Programme.

Following the unveiling of the first four projects funded under the third and final funding call of UK Treescapes, a fifth project has been welcomed into the fold. Each project is dedicated to increasing the impact of UK Treescapes’ research, benefiting from grants of up to £100,000 each, provided by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Programme Co-Ambassador, Dr. Julie Urquhart, remarked:

“Funding this fifth project not only marks the completion of Call 3, but also strengthens the Programme’s ability to transform multidisciplinary research into action. This project underlines the vital role local communities must play in shaping their future. Together, these initiatives empower diverse stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of UK treescapes.”

Improving Public Engagement for Maximized Benefits of Forest and Woodland Expansion and Creation

Project Lead: Sarah Greenwood, [CALL 1/2 PROJECT(s)]

This project bridges the gap between researchers, practitioners, policymakers and local communities. It aims to share knowledge on maximizing the benefits and minimizing the challenges of forest and woodland expansion. By pooling insights from four previously funded UK Treescapes Projects – TreE_PlaNat, Branching out, Connected Treescapes and Treescapes Fellow, Dr James Levine – this initiative will develop inclusive communication methods that put stakeholders centre stage. Through workshops, the team will create actionable recommendations for community involvement in woodland expansion and accessible resources to share knowledge with local communities on treescapes in their area. 

The Fabulous Five: Enhancing UK Treescapes

These projects will run for up to 12 months, commencing on 1 November 2023. Sarah Greenwood’s project completes an impressive lineup of initiatives that connect stakeholders to research and action, and increase the Programme’s outputs in order to benefit society and the environment. 

The Tree of Knowledge (ToK): Communicating the Complexity of Forest Resilience

Project Lead: Dr Ruth Mitchell, DiversiTree, Dr Stephen Cavers, newLEAF, Dr Estrella Luna-Diez, MEMBRA

ToK simplifies tree species, genetics and epigenetic memory for practitioners, policymakers and the public, drawing insights from DiversiTree, newLEAF, and MEMBRA projects. Supported by organizations like CIEEM, CONFOR, and the Woodland Trust.

Branching Beyond

Project Lead: Prof Jasper Kenter, Branching Out

Collaborating with local authorities and the LGA, Branching Beyond creates an accessible social and cultural values template for treescapes. Enhancing urban treescape management, it blends data analysis with participation in Camden and Edinburgh.

Digital Voices of the Future: Children’s Visions of Future UK Treescapes Revealed Through Gaming

Project Lead: Dr Simon Carr, Voices of the Future

Empowering children through online gaming to envision UK treescapes’ future, bridging perceptions and environmental impacts. Partnerships with schools and The Mersey Forest ensure local and regional relevance.

Future Treescapes in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Expansion and Resilience in the Chiltern Hills and Beyond

Project Lead: Dr Paddy Bullard, University of Reading

This knowledge exchange initiative unites seven projects in the Chiltern Hills AONB, enhancing woodland expansion and sustainability. Educational materials will support treescapes planning and management.