EDT(2) SP5

20 September 2005

In response to your letter of 27 July 2005.

Science PolicyAs part of the Forestry Devolution Review in 2002, Ministers approved the Reviews recommendations that "new arrangements should be set-up, with an enhanced role for the devolved administrations… in determining research priorities and specifying programmes".Early in 2004 a consultation was undertaken in Wales involving stakeholder meetings and questionnaires. Other consultations were undertaken in England, Scotland and N.Ireland.The results show many common themes which have been drawn together to produce a strategy with UK-wide relevance which was approved by Ministers in June 2005 - Science and Innovation Strategy for British Forestry (available at www.forestry.gov.uk/research).This strategy is a framework showing how the Forestry Commission will apply its financial, scientific and technical capability through research into forestry matters. The strategy takes account of the relevant strategies and programmes relating to land based activities at a country level. During the consultations stakeholders gave clear messages about both research "processes" and research "products" and both areas are dealt with in the strategy.Forestry Commission will initiate some immediate changes based on stakeholder responses.

• To strengthen and improve communication.
• Through partnership, to integrate forestry research more effectively with that of other land-based activities.
• To increase investment over the next 3 years in Social and Economic Research.

Other priorities identified include; Climate Change, Alternative Silvicultures and Soil and Water Management.Much of the research is undertaken by the Forestry Commission’s agency - Forest Research and a clear message from stakeholders was that forestry is well served by this arrangement. Forest Research is represented in Wales by a fieldstation at Brecon, which has increased its number of scientists by 3 in the past 18 months. The fieldstation undertakes a range of research including: -

• Changing silviculture
• Plant health
• Biodiversity and Habitat Restoration
• Soil and Water Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Climate Change
• Forest Products

An advisory service is also provided.Other research providers are also funded by the Forestry Commission both centrally and at a country level by Forestry Commission Wales: -- Bangor University has several projects funded or part funded mainly in theChanging Silviculture Field.                    - Cardiff University has several projects funded undertaking Social Research.- The Pontbren group has had part funding within a much bigger consortiumto undertake studies on water runoff and diffuse pollution at a catchmentThe Science and Innovation Strategy for British Forestry provides all the necessary detail relevant to forestry research for the committee to consider in relation to developing a science policy for Wales.Chris JonesResearch OfficerForestry Commission Wales