In autumn 2025 we launched a new resilience strategy, detailing how we’ll protect the nation’s forests for centuries to come. But what does a resilient forest look like in practice? At Sherwood Pines in Nottinghamshire, it’s not just one single thing. It’s an ongoing process that combines observation, learning and long-term planning.
This case study shows how we’re responding to real challenges on the ground, and how small, practical steps can make a big difference over time.
A forest under pressure
Sherwood Pines has faced increasing pressure from red band needle blight, a disease which can cause pine trees to lose most of their needles.
With fewer needles, the affected trees struggle to photosynthesise properly. Over time, this weakens them, reducing growth and making them more vulnerable to further stress.
This is not an isolated issue at Sherwood. As our climate changes, pests and diseases are becoming more widespread across England’s forests, creating new challenges for how we manage and protect these landscapes.
Diversifying the forest
At Sherwood Pines, the response has been thoughtful and gradual. Rather than removing large areas of trees all at once, the team has:
- removed selected strips of Corsican pine.
- planted a wider mix of tree species.
- created a balance of shelter and exposure across the site.
This approach helps reduce the spread and impact of disease, while supporting healthier growth conditions for a wider range of trees.
Diversity is key. By moving away from single-species stands and encouraging a mix of trees, we can create forests that are better able to adapt to future challenges.
Watch the video below for more on the resilience story at Sherwood Pines.
Resilience is a long-term journey
Resilience doesn’t happen overnight. Each change to the forest has to be monitored over time and its impact properly understood. Our expert teams adapt their approach as conditions evolve, tweaking things and making sure that decisions made today will support the forest of tomorrow.
This long-term thinking is central to our work of growing, protecting and caring for the nation’s forests.
Part of a bigger picture
This resilience work at Sherwood Pines is just one example of a much wider approach. Across the country, we’re working to create forests that are:
- more diverse.
- better connected.
- more resilient to climate change.
Without this ongoing work, we risk widespread tree loss, reduced timber production, damage to habitats, and fewer places for people to enjoy nature.
The decisions we make today will shape the forests you visit in decades to come. By building resilience now, we’re making sure that visitors in the future will still be able to connect with nature, whatever challenges lie ahead.
