In September 2026, we showcased the work of two of our CFP-funded PhD researchers in a series of free webinars.

In the first webinar, Dr Alex Ash, Behavioural Ecologist at Forest Research, presented her PhD research into the drivers of bark-stripping behaviour in invasive grey squirrels. Dr Cally Ham, Senior Mammal Ecologist at Forest Research, also gave an overview of ongoing CFP grey squirrel research, including development of novel tree protection methods, and a ‘tool-kit’ for studying grey squirrel behaviour.

In the second webinar, Fritha West, Research Fellow at Defra, presented her PhD research on the ecological and cultural restoration of elm in Britain. Click the image below to watch the talks on our YouTube channel 👇

Centre for Forest Protection – PhD Research

In November 2025, several of our CFP researchers travelled to Durham to present their work at ‘Britain’s Forest Future: Research-Practice Exchange‘.

Organised by the Centre for Forest Protection (CFP), Defra, and the Future of UK Treescapes, Britain’s Forest Future brought together practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and professional bodies from across the forestry, tree, and plant health sectors. The event featured two keynote speeches, eighteen different sessions, and almost 100 speakers and panellists.

The event began with a keynote speech from Professor Bianca Ambrose-Oji, Chief Scientist at Forest Research, who outlined the importance of researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and others across the sector working together to increase forest resilience.

Across the two day event, we heard from a number of researchers representing some of our CFP Phase 1 projects. Read about our highlights here, or click the image below to watch the CFP talks on our YouTube channel. 👇

Britain’s Forest Future: Research-Practice Exchange – Centre for Forest Protection Presentations

In spring 2025, we ran a series of webinars to showcase the results from some of our phase 1 research projects.

Our researchers presented their work on elms, predisposition to disease, how trees adapt, comparisons of diversity between planted and naturally colonised new woodlands, and genetic methods to improve conifer resilience. Click the image below to watch the talks on our YouTube channel 👇

Centre for Forest Protection – Spring 2025 Webinar Series