University news

A filmed theatre production has secured additional funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to expand its reach and spark discussions about the complex challenges facing UK forests.

Three Words for Forest: Exploring Uncertainty in a Time of Climate Crisis has been developed by the University of Glasgow’s Professor Deirdre Heddon and Dr Rachel Clive, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team, UK and European forestry specialists and a professional creative team. The play is part of the Future of UK Treescapes programme and its newLEAF project, which explores how trees adapt to climate change - and the role of humans in that process.

Based on 30 interviews with forestry practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, the verbatim theatre production explores the complexities and uncertainties of working with forests during the climate crisis. It highlights both the challenges and the deep care people have for trees - even when they disagree on how best to respond to climate change.

New AHRC follow-on funding will support accessible versions of the filmed play - including audio-described, sign language interpreted and supported viewing formats- so more people can engage with it. It will also develop workshop guides for schools, community groups, and forestry organisations to use the film in educational and community-building activities.

Professor Deirdre Heddon, the project’s Principal Investigator and James Arnott Chair in Drama at the University of Glasgow, said: “Our research showed that forestry specialists want better conversations across differing views and that while the public cares about forests, many feel disconnected from the forestry sector. This funding allows us to build forest citizenship and raise awareness of forestry as a career and sector.”

Research and Innovation Associate Dr Rachel Clive, who co-wrote and directed the play, said: “Theatre helps us to connect emotionally and practically with change. This funding lets us co-create new resources with partners to support wider engagement with the play’s insights.”

The newLEAF project supports the UK government’s net-zero ambitions by exploring how trees, woodlands and forests can become more resilient to climate change, disease, and land-use pressures. With only 13% of the UK covered by woodland, the government has pledged to plant millions of trees annually. But resilience depends on informed decisions and public awareness and engagement.

Dr Stephen Cavers, newLEAF project lead at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: “Three Words for Forest has really shown the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, to connect us with new audiences and highlight the voices of the diverse community of people engaged with our trees and forests.”

Dr David Edwards, Research Impact Coordinator, Forest Research, a partner in the Three Words for Forest research project, said: “The project demonstrates the power of the arts and humanities to collaborate meaningfully with scientists and help us see the world in new ways. The follow-on funding will help more people connect with forest science, foresters, and forests.” 

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About Three Words for Forest

Led by the University of Glasgow, the play partners and engages with diverse communities across the UK including Govanhill Baths, Glasgow; Green Routes, Stirling; Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere; Glenkens Community and Arts Trust, Dumfries & Galloway; and Forest Research.

View the Full Filmed Performance of Three Words for Forest:

newLEAF

The newLEAF project is led by Dr Stephen Cavers and draws together experts in ecology, evolutionary biology, forest pathology, epidemiology, economics, social science, data science, mathematics and the arts.

Learn more about newLEAF: https://www.uktreescapes.org/projects/newleaf/

First published: 12 August 2025