Scotland’s forests face increasing threats from climate change. More frequent and severe storms, droughts, floods, and wildfires are not only damaging trees directly but also creating opportunities for invasive pest species to spread. For example, windblown trees can fuel bark beetle outbreaks, while prolonged droughts may increase wildfire risk and destroy habitats. These changes threaten both the economic value of commercial forestry and the ecological integrity of native woodlands.

This project will investigate how extreme weather events influence forest pest populations by conducting a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. The project will:
- Analyse global evidence on how drought, flooding, windthrow, and wildfires affect invasive forest pests.
- Identify which species are most likely to thrive (and which may decline) under Scotland’s changing climate.
- Develop five case studies highlighting potential risks to native woodlands and key commercial species.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, foresters, and conservation organisations.

By identifying priority species for action, this research will give Scotland the tools it needs to build resilience in forestry and protect woodlands against the growing impacts of climate change.