Forest Research are one of the world's leading centres of research into woodlands and forestry. They aim to provide research services relevant to UK and international forestry interests and inform and support forestry's contribution to UK governmental policies. Their core roles are to provide the evidence base for UK forestry practices and to support innovation. Forest Research has three research centres carrying out a wide range of research. Their main research stations are in Surrey and near to Edinburgh.

Approximately 85% of Forest Research's funding comes from the Forestry Commission. Other funding includes the EU framework's, EU COST Action, Interegg, DEFRA, and Research Councils.