We demonstrate the potential of the C-band ERS SAR to provide a capability for forest mapping with particular regard to forest degradation caused by pollution. ERS SAR images covering the period summer 1993 to summer 1995 for a site around the Severonikel smelter in the Kola Peninsula, Northern Russia are analysed to determine the features that are visible to a spaceborne C-band radar and the effects of local conditions on the imagery. It is shown that a combination of acquisitions from summer and winter do indeed map areas of forest destruction by pollution and fire and the physical basis for this is highlighted using a combination of knowledge of the in-situ conditions and theoretical modelling.