Wirral i-Tree Eco Infographic

Infographic illustrating some results from the Wirral i-Tree Eco project

Douglas fir (DF) – NEW

Douglas-fir is one of the most economically important conifers in the Pacific northwest. Despite its common name Douglas-fir was discovered by Archibald Menzies in 1793 and introduced to Britain by David Douglas in 1872. Initially planted as estate specimens it is now mainly planted for commercial forestry.  Some of the heritage specimens are now the tallest trees in Britain with examples reaching over 66 m in height. A preference for deep fertile soils in sheltered sites has limited its use by many foresters. However, it is growing in popularity as an alternative forestry species to aid in diversification as the silvicultural knowledge has improved. Douglas-fir is categorised as a Principal tree species. These are species where our silvicultural knowledge provides confidence for their successful deployment across Britain. The species are either already widely used or are increasing in usage.  They will continue to be important unless affected by a new pest or disease or become adversely affected by climate change.

Hornbeam (HBM)

Hornbeam is a common, long-lived native hardwood found on heavier soils in lowland Britain. It is sometimes confused with beech owing to similarity in leaf shape and smooth, greyish bark. It was widely grown throughout the London basin to provide the capital’s firewood in the Middle Ages. Past management was predominantly coppice, and it is still the most extensive traditional coppice species after hazel and sweet chestnut. Its wood is dense, hard, difficult to chop and little used in milling/carpentry as it quickly blunts tools. Outside of coppice plantations in Britain hornbeam is naturally found in mixed broadleaved forests with oaks. Pure stands are rare and likely a consequence of human intervention. Hornbeam is a native species in Britain and classified as a Principal Trees Species.  This indicates that our silvicultural knowledge of the species should enable successful deployment across Britain. Such species are either already widely used or are increasing in usage. They will continue to be important unless affected by a new pest or disease or become adversely affected by climate change.

Downy birch (DBI)

Downy birch is one of two native birches in Britain and was historically an important source of wood for fuel, charcoal and small wood products, particularly wooden bobbins. It was not seen as a timber tree and the increased use of plastics saw it fall out of general use. There is increasing interest in the potential for birch as a productive forest species. Downy birch is a pioneer species and early seed producer and can regenerate and spread rapidly in suitable conditions. Birch woodlands (B. pendula and B. pubescens) cover c 240,000 or c 18% of Britain’s broadleaved woodland cover. They are our most frequent woodland species either as a component or as nearly pure stands. Unfortunately, birches are still considered a weed by most foresters and often an invasive by ecologists particularly on lowland heaths. There is a growing understanding of the silvicultural requirements of birch and its potential to play an important role in future forestry. Downy birch is a native tree and is categorised as a Principal tree species.  Our silvicultural knowledge of these species provides confidence in their successful deployment across Britain. They are either already widely used or are increasing in usage. They will continue to be important unless they prove vulnerable to a new pest or disease, or they are adversely affected by climate change.

Silver birch (SBI)

Silver birch is one of two native birches in Britain and was historically an important source of wood for fuel, charcoal and small wood products, particularly wooden bobbins. It was not recognised as a timber tree and the increased use of plastics saw it fall out of general use. There is increasing interest in the potential for birch as a productive forest species. Silver birch is a pioneer species and early seed producer and can regenerate and spread rapidly in suitable conditions. Birch woodlands (B. pendula and B. pubescens) cover c 240,000 or c 18% of Britain’s broadleaved woodland cover. They are our most frequent woodland species either as a component or as pure stands. Unfortunately, birches are still considered a weed by most foresters and often an invasive by ecologists particularly on lowland heaths. There is a growing understanding of the silvicultural requirements of birch and its potential to play a significant role in future forestry. Silver birch is a native species and is categorised as a Principal tree species.  This indicates that our silvicultural knowledge of the species should enable successful deployment across Britain. Such species are either already widely used or are increasing in usage. They will continue to be important unless they prove vulnerable to a new pest or disease or are adversely affected by climate change.

New Forestry Minister visits Alice Holt and announces £16 million NCF funding

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Senior Scientist – Entomology

A Senior Scientist – Entomology role, at Forest Research (FR), to lead on developing research on key forest pest species which may include Hylobius large pine weevil, Dendroctonus great spruce bark beetle, and pine tree lappet moth. Members of the entomology team typically undertake field and laboratory-based investigations and research into a range of invertebrate pests, most notably bark […]

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