Mixed species include intimate mixtures, row or line mixtures, group mixtures and mosaic mixtures.
In recent decades the use of mixtures has been limited but they are being recommended as an important adaptation measure, offering insurance against unknown future risks, so that if one species fails, other species provide a continuing stand structure.
Mixing species within stands is not a new practice, there is lots of experience to draw upon, but the right species will need to be considered in light of climate change. In lowland England mixtures are fairly common, occupying nearly a third of the public forest estate. The most common mixture is currently conifer-broadleaf followed by conifer mixtures, with broadleaf mixtures less common. In upland Britain there is a substantial area of mixed conifer; broadleaf forest with Sitka spruce and Scots pine are the most common conifers and birch the most common broadleaf in these mixtures.
For further advice see the UKFS Practice Guide ‘Adapting forest and woodland management to the changing climate’
Printed copies are available to purchase from Forest Research.
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The following risks may be reduced if the adaptation measure is applied appropriately:
To help select the right species for the right site, the Forest Research tree species database contain information on a wide range of trees including provenance, site requirements and risks of pests and pathogens.
The UKFS Practice Guide ‘Adapting forest and woodland management to the changing climate’ guides practitioners through the process from assessing climate change risks to implementing adaptation measures.
Printed copies are available to purchase from Forest Research.
Printed copies are available to purchase from Forest Research.
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