Image: Polly device. (Credit: AGRISOUND. Forestry England/Crown copyright.)
Unprecedented insights into biodiversity
As climate change and biodiversity loss dominate global headlines, a remarkable initiative in the UK is leveraging advanced technology to combat these crises. Forestry England (FE), the organisation managing over 1,500 woodlands, is spearheading a ground-breaking effort to better understand and restore the delicate ecosystems within the nation’s forests. By utilising cutting-edge tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and bioacoustic devices, FE is achieving unprecedented insights into the biodiversity of these natural spaces.
Transforming biodiversity monitoring with eDNA
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, has emerged as a revolutionary tool in ecological research. By collecting genetic material shed by organisms into their environment, scientists can gain a detailed understanding of the species present in a given area. Forestry England has harnessed this technology to survey biodiversity across 21 of its forests, analysing soil, water, and even air samples.
The results have been nothing short of astonishing.
In just four months, this advanced sampling method identified over 5,000 unique species of fungi - a figure that surpasses what traditional methods have uncovered in the past century. Additionally, more than 1,000 invertebrate species were documented, shedding new light on the hidden worlds within these forests.
This wealth of data provides Forestry England with a new biodiversity baseline. By establishing this detailed starting point, the organisation can measure the effectiveness of its conservation strategies over time. Such precision monitoring is vital as the UK works toward ambitious environmental goals, including rewilding efforts and the creation of resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding climate change.
Listening to nature with bioacoustic devices
Another technological marvel enhancing forest conservation is the use of bioacoustic listening devices. These tools have been deployed in four wild areas located in Somerset, Dorset, North Yorkshire and Northumberland. Bioacoustic technology monitors the sounds of wildlife, offering a non-invasive way to study and track animal behaviour.
In these forests, the devices are being used to track bumblebee activity by detecting the unique sounds of their wingbeats in flight. Bumblebees play a critical role as pollinators, and their health and abundance serve as key indicators of ecosystem vitality. By analysing the audio data, researchers can gain insights into population trends, behaviour patterns, and the impacts of environmental changes on these essential insects.
Beyond bumblebees, bioacoustic devices have the potential to monitor a wide range of species. From birdsong to the calls of amphibians and mammals, these soundscapes can reveal much about the diversity and health of forest ecosystems without disturbing their inhabitants.
Bridging technology and conservation
The integration of advanced technologies like eDNA and bioacoustic monitoring represents a significant shift in how conservation work is conducted. Traditional biodiversity assessments often rely on labour-intensive fieldwork, which can be limited in scope and prone to human error. By contrast, these new methods provide a scalable, efficient, and highly accurate way to gather data, opening up new possibilities for ecosystem management.
Moreover, these innovations align with broader trends in environmental science. As the climate crisis intensifies, there is an urgent need for data-driven solutions to manage natural resources effectively. The insights gained from Forestry England’s efforts will not only benefit the UK but could also serve as a model for forest management worldwide.
The legacy of Forestry England: a history of stewardship
Forestry England has a long and storied history, dating back to its establishment in 1919. Originally formed as the Forestry Commission, its primary aim was to replenish the nation's timber supplies, which had been critically depleted during World War I. Over the decades, the organisation expanded its focus from timber production to include conservation, recreation, and biodiversity management.
One of Forestry England’s most notable achievements is the creation of The National Forest, a transformative project that turned a vast stretch of industrial and agricultural land in the Midlands into a thriving woodland. Spanning 200 square miles, this forest now attracts millions of visitors annually and provides vital habitat for countless species.
In addition to large-scale projects, Forestry England has been instrumental in protecting ancient woodlands, preserving their unique ecosystems and cultural heritage. These efforts have helped safeguard rare species, from the hazel dormouse to the goshawk, and have ensured that these woodlands remain a cherished part of the UK’s natural landscape.
Forestry England has also played a pivotal role in promoting sustainable forestry practices. By adhering to rigorous environmental standards, the organisation has demonstrated that timber production and ecological stewardship can coexist. This commitment to sustainability has earned international recognition and set a benchmark for forest management.
The bigger picture
The significance of Forestry England’s work extends far beyond the forests it manages. Biodiversity is a cornerstone of life on Earth, underpinning everything from food security to climate regulation. Yet, species are vanishing at an alarming rate due to habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. Initiatives like this offer a glimmer of hope, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to turn the tide.
By documenting the intricate web of life within UK forests, Forestry England is laying the groundwork for more informed conservation decisions. For instance, understanding which fungi and invertebrates thrive in specific conditions can guide reforestation projects and habitat restoration efforts. Tracking bumblebee populations can inform strategies to protect pollinators, which are crucial for agriculture and wild plant reproduction.
Challenges and the road ahead
While the potential of these technologies is immense, challenges remain. Implementing such advanced tools requires significant investment in equipment, training, and data analysis capabilities. There is also the question of scalability; how to expand these efforts to cover all 1,500 forests managed by FE - and beyond.
Additionally, conservation is not solely a technological endeavour. Success depends on public engagement, policy support, and collaboration with local communities. Forestry England’s work must be complemented by efforts to reduce deforestation, tackle invasive species, and address broader environmental issues, like climate change.
Elsewhere, the Woodland Trust has been using laser scanning technology to create 3D models of some of the UK’s most famous veteran oaks. The project builds a digital archive of these living arboreal legends as well as informing future conservation efforts and helping scientists better understand the carbon capture potential of ancient trees. In Scotland, drones have been used to repopulate barren hillsides with native birch by carpet-bombing slopes beside the A38 with tens of millions of seeds. It’s hoped the work will reduce landslips and surface erosion.
A Vision for the future
Forestry England’s innovative approach to biodiversity monitoring exemplifies the potential of technology to revolutionise conservation. By embracing tools like eDNA and bioacoustics, the organisation is not only uncovering the hidden richness of UK forests, but also setting a new standard for ecological research.
As these methods are refined and expanded, they promise to provide even deeper insights into the natural world. In a time when the planet’s ecosystems are under unprecedented pressure, initiatives like this remind us of the power of innovation to drive meaningful change.
With continued investment and collaboration, the lessons learned in the UK’s forests could inspire similar efforts globally, fostering a future where nature and technology work hand-in-hand to preserve our planet for generations to come.
Further reading: a history of the UK's forests
Carl Dodd, Property Revolutions Ltd.
