About The Forest of Biologists

The Forest of Biologists is a biodiversity initiative launched by The Company of Biologists, with support from the Woodland Trust. The aim of the initiative is to counteract nature loss, and safeguard some of the most critically endangered ecosystems for future generations. For every Research Article and Review article that is published in one of our journals, a native tree is planted in a forest in the UK. In addition to planting new trees, we are also funding the restoration and protection of ancient woodland and dedicating these trees to our peer reviewers, who help us protect the integrity of the scientific record. All of these real trees are also represented in a virtual forest, providing a way for authors and reviewers to keep track of our progress, and to take part in our journey. The Forest of Biologists is a celebration of the work of the scientists whose research and expertise fills our journals, and whose inspiring ideas help us to better understand the world. It is also a clear and visible symbol of The Company of Biologists’ commitment to sustainability.

Real-life trees

Authors’ trees are planted in real living groves within the Young People’s Forest at Mead in Derbyshire. The site of this new forest is a former open-cast mine that is now being restored back to its original condition as native woodland. Accordingly, the trees being planted comprise a range of native UK tree species including silver birch, oak, lime, alder, rowan and hawthorn. The forest site also includes ponds, open spaces, and species-rich grassland areas. This diverse mix of plant species and environments is critical for promoting and supporting biodiversity at all trophic levels. It reduces the vulnerability of the forest to diseases and pests, and enhances the resilience of our newly created forest ecosystems in a changing climate. In addition to the positive impact on biodiversity, The Company of Biologists has chosen to support the Young People’s Forest as it also provides first-hand experience in habitat restoration to young people and thus promotes education in biology and environmental stewardship.

In recognition of our peer reviewers, we are funding the restoration of nearly 12 hectares of degraded temperate rainforest at Great Knott Wood, overlooking Lake Windermere within the Lake District National Park. Temperate rainforest is one of the rarest forest habitats in the world, and in the UK they support an enormous range of mosses, lichens, ferns, and grasses. They are home to many species of insect and mammal, and are important breeding grounds for migrating birds. Great Knott Wood is an ancient woodland that was severely degraded by both extensive conifer plantation and storm damage. Restoration efforts include the protection of veteran trees and deadwood, removal of non-native species, and the gradual thinning of the canopy to carefully increase light levels. Together these activities will help counteract biodiversity loss and protect these habitats for future generations.

The virtual forest

All trees, both planted and protected in real forest sites, are represented in the virtual forest. When an article is published, a new tree dedicated to that article appears in the forest. Authors can see which species have been planted on their behalf, and in which forest the tree is located. When a peer reviewer completes the peer review process for an article, a tree is dedicated to them in our ancient woodland site. There is no association between peer reviewer names and articles and peer reviewer trees are added to the virtual forest periodically, thus trees can be safely dedicated to peer reviewers without compromising their anonymity.

The person who planted the seed that grew into The Forest of Biologists was Steven Kelly, former Editor-in-Chief of Biology Open and Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Oxford. He had a vision for a true community project that centred around the protection of biodiversity and that made a lasting and positive impact on our environment.

Tweets by @For_Biologists