Forest

When a raging forest fire is approaching a community, a good rainfall greatly reduces the chances of the flames actually reaching the buildings. But if rain isn't in the forecast … well, that's where the RainStream tower is designed to come in.

Swiss researchers are working on an environmental monitoring robot named Avocado that's been inspired by abseiling spiders. The fruit-shaped bot uses a winch and rotors to lower itself through the canopy and gather data on life in the treetops.

Mangroves may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a forest, but they're both incredible, unique ecosystems and serve as a structural and water-cleaning coastguard. These photos capture the wondrous, otherworldly ecosystems.

Often referred to as the lungs of the planet, the Amazon rainforest is in trouble – with around a third reported as already gone or degraded. A pocket of resistance in Peru has now been joined by a dual-armed robotic gardener to help with reforestation.

One of the good things about drones is the fact that they can safely be flown in conditions that would prove hazardous for crewed aircraft. That's where the JC260 unmanned helicopter comes in, as it's designed to fight forest fires.

It looks like it was designed for the zombie-apocalypse, but the TF-19 Wasp from Ohio-based Throwflame is a serious piece of kit with potentially life-saving applications. From clearing critical infrastructure to pest management and forest fire back-burns, this modern-day dragon is nobody's toy.

​When a forest fire is starting, it's vitally important for firefighting crews to know exactly what it is that they're up against, so they can prepare most effectively. A new Spanish project is helping to make that happen, utilizing an autonomous intel-gathering drone.

Nestled in Gisselfeld Klosters Forest, about an hour's drive south of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a large new observation tower constructed from steel. The elegant structure, named Camp Adventure Tower, provides visitors with 360-degree views of the unspoiled landscape.

“Two Cork Houses” are two sustainable homes located in the beautiful natural forest landscape of Plafrugell, in Northern Spain. The architects spent considerable efforts designing the homes around the forest to have little impact on the existing flora.

This elevated take on a cabin in the woods was influenced by such disparate sources as children's book regulars the Moomins, A-frame lodges, and electricity towers. Located in a forest in Norway, it's currently available for rent.

When an architect and interior designer combine to craft their dream home, you’d expect to see creative impulses let loose in some pretty spectacular ways. Australia’s award-winning Planchonella House by husband-and-wife duo Jesse Bennett and Anne-Marie Campagnolo is a shining example of this.

​​For almost a decade, scientist Todd Dawson has studied the giant sequoia trees of California's Whitaker Forest. But as the region suffers through a record-breaking drought, Dawson and his team are now getting some much needed help, by way of sensor-equipped drones