Forestry Commission England has launched a free iPhone app to find your local woodland, download handy trail maps or learn about trees with an easy to use tree identifier. The award-winning app is available to download from iTunes from 25th April. Visitors can search for sites by event or activity, or find basic information such as opening times, things to do, directions and contact details for Forestry Commission Forest Parks. The educational and fun app includes a photo gallery, UK common tree identifier and unique computer generated tree illustrations. Users can identify a tree using its bark, seed or leaf within just a few clicks.
Visitors can also download pdf trail maps via GPS so that the app can still be used when exploring amongst the trees and out of phone signal range.
Pam Warhurst, Forestry Commission Chair, said;
“We are delighted to launch ForestXplorer as part of our celebrations surrounding the UN’s International Year of Forests.
“This is an absolutely fantastic and innovative tool which can not only help you find out information about your local Forestry Commission Forest Park but also helps you learn more about the trees around you. The tree identifier is completely unique and what makes it even better is that it’s also so simple to use!”
Even before its launch, ForestXplorer has been awarded a prize from the Innovation and New Markets Project.
The app was funded by the Department of Business Innovation & Skills’ Public Sector Research Exploitation Fund and Forest Research.
Find out more at www.forestry.gov.uk/mobileapp or download the app from iTunes –http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/forestxplorer/id428559042?mt=8
