International Year of Forests 2011

Forests protect our watersheds and conserve our soil. They help combat climate change by absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon, provide food, building materials and medicine, and are home to 80% of the world’s biodiversity.

To celebrate the world’s forests the United Nations declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests (IYF) and kicked off a year-long celebration to raise awareness of the value of this important resource. It has invited governments, organisations and individuals to come together to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.

Send In Your Records for International Year of Forests!

Here at the WSBRC we were pleased to play our part by asking you to record the wildlife of Wiltshire and Swindon's forests.

So far we have received 260 records, so now is the time so send in your records of what you have seen over the year. With so many packs downloaded we know there are many records to come our way and we look forward to receiving them all. We can’t wait to see what you have spotted!

Once we have collated the records we we will publish a summary of the results on our website showing the discoveries you have made over the year, so make sure you send in your records!

You can submit your sightings on-line or download a recording form that you can send back to us with your sightings

Importance of the World Forests

Watch the IYF launch animated short film below narrated by Sir David Attenborough highlighting the value and importance of the world's forests.