Multi-For seeks to strengthen the multifunctional role of forests in a way that is consistent with societys expectations, that serves the need for long-term planning in the management of forest ecosystems, and that takes into consideration rapidly evolving demands and threats placed on forest ecosystems.This large Franco-British partnership shares wide and important forest areas and decided to share experience and resources to address the challenges of forest management together. Multi-For will enhance the role of forests by studying the impact of climate change on the different components of forest ecosystems, suggest compatible ways of meeting the economic demand for sustainable timber and woodfuel production and protecting important forest habitats and species, and bring the best principles of forest management to the reach of all of its users. Expected Results: What are the key results of the project?Field research- assessment of the existing situation in each region - a comparative analyses and dissemination to forest managers and landowners- generation of knowledge on the marginal populations of (tree) species, seeds viability, contribution to their conservation, and scientific publicationsReports/publications- Regarding the evolution of forest biodiversity: scientific publications, two technical publications for forest managers including one following the Essex conference on this subject.- Scientific monitoring, technical notes, reports for the sites.- production of technical briefs on sustainable management with exchanges for French forest landownersPilots- Implementation of multifunctional management in 10 French sites and 15 English sites.- Opening to the public of forests at 4 French sites and 6 English sites.- At the demonstrator sites (5+5), implementation of multifunctional management and an annual scheduling integrating the different uses of the forest.- Development of wood energy as a viable source of revenue with an action plan at the key sites of the two cross-border regions, evaluation and comparative study of the wood industry.- Design of a planting and woodlands connectivity programme. Production of technical notes/fact sheets, support to development.- 3 sites restored and 3 events on these opened sites. Reception of the public on the 3 opened sitesResource development- Web site tools for multifunctional woodland management- 1 bilingual guide for forestry professionals on multifunctional forest management.- 1 cross border wood fuel pack for procurers and landowners- 1 bilingual guide on the opening of forests to the public in the framework of Multi-For.Visits and exchanges- 1 cross border exchange between two schools, training for teachers, training on wood energy for industry professionals, technical notes for tree planting for landowners- 2 wood energy events- Reception of the public in the 4 open private forests.Are all partners and territories benefitting from the results?There are two main target groups: forest landowners national wood-owning charities and management structures in charge of updating and improving multi-functional forest management approaches and secondly the wider public including forest users, and school and college pupils in particular. Among this target group the aim is to educate and raise awareness about how forest ecosystem structure, function and goods and services are inter-linked. In addition , interaction with other target groupswill be necessary such as; regional decision makers, regarding the implementation of policies or actions for forests, biodiversity or the promotion of wood in the context of their climate change planning; regional and local organisations active in the management and conservation of wildlife and forest habitats; national forest research organisations such as INRA, CEMAGREF, Gipecofor, ENGREF, IDF, on the French side; Forest Research, Forest Districts,… on the English side.The following groups will also be final beneficiaries: the wider public, the general population, forest users, researchers, CRPF from other regions. It is also possible to include the forestry ecosystems themselves and future generations as final beneficiaries. This project respects sustainable development objectives because it will improve the management of forest habitats (ecological and social dimensions) including organising the supply of increased quantities of timber and woodfuel– which in turn will contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.What are the effects / outcomes for the territories involved?Partners have succeeded in obtaining co-financing from local authorities for their actions. This demonstrates that they do contribute to the strategic goals at the local scale. For both the English and French partners, the engagement of local authorities can be seen in each of the activities, concerning research into and adaptation of forest ecosystems to global change, the design and implementation of management plans for multi-functional forest management, concerning the connectivity of woodlands and reafforestation.For example, the Trame verte et bleue programme of the Nord-Pas de Calais and Picardie Regional Councils and the Regional Frest Plan of the Regional Council NPdC in which are implicated the french partners (CRPF, ONF, CCVCA) and for the actions promoting woodfuel as well as for the creation of outreach tools (to the public) regarding multifunctional management.On the english side, this project will be working towards the implementation of the East of England Woodland Strategy, in filling white spots of non wooded areas based on the Regional Spatial Strategy. ECC are publishing a Green Infrastructure strategy which this project will play a part in delivering. It is also referenced in Woodland Trust, National Trust and Forestry Commission documents as a green strategy for implementation over the next 4 years.ECC are also working towards the closer relationship with the PEBLDS partnership to measure and strategise green infrastructure - The Pan-European Biological and Landscape Diversity Strategy (PEBLDS) was set up following the Rio Earth Summit and the adoption of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.