Explores the diverse and changing nature of Community Involvement in Forest Management (CIFM) in Western Europe. Provides comparative European-level data on important social institutions which shape patterns of community involvement in forestry, and briefly examines different national contexts. Includes 12 case studies discussing some of the main economic, social, ecological and policy opportunities and challenges of CIFM in Europe. Outlines the principal lessons learned according to 3 key groups: governments, NGOs and local communities. Also proposes some recommendations for policy and action in Europe.