UK Forest System Change: Agroforestry for Resilience & Biodiversity

This academic article examines the need for transformational change in the UK's forest and agroforestry systems to meet future demands for sustainable food production, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. It outlines a theory of change that integrates agroforestry as a key strategy for creating resilient and multifunctional forest landscapes. The article discusses the environmental benefits of agroforestry, including enhanced carbon sequestration, improved soil health, and increased biodiversity. It also highlights the socio-economic advantages such as diversified income streams for landowners and farmers. The paper identifies research gaps and innovation pathways necessary to support the adoption and scaling of agroforestry practices in the UK. Emphasizing a systemic approach, the article advocates for policies and practices that foster sustainable land management and the transformation of productive forest systems to address ecological and societal challenges.