• Structural diversity can be increased in different ways, so consideration of management objectives is essential to inform selection. Simple structures have one or two canopy layers; complex structures have three or more canopy layers.
• Planning future thinning operations should aim to promote structural diversity.
• Stand restocking can be through underplanting or natural regeneration (where there is a viable seed bank and predation can be managed).
• Pay particular attention to the light levels in the understorey to ensure that they are adequate for natural regeneration or the growth of underplanted seedlings to succeed.
• If changing species, it is likely that underplanting will be required. Refer to guidance on species choice and management of underplanting operations.
• Monitor the transformation of the stand and adapt management accordingly. It is important that comprehensive records and management plans are kept in an accessible format that allows successive managers to understand and follow the long-term plan.

Guidance notes

• An even spread of stand ages across a forest or landscape reduces the overall risk at any one time.
• There are benefits and risks involved in either shortening or prolonging rotation lengths, which need to be balanced in any decision to change a rotation length.
• It is important to give careful consideration to tree species, their optimum growth requirements, and the risks posed by wind or other threats (including insect pests) before changing rotation lengths.

For further advice see the UKFS Practice Guide ‘Adapting forest and woodland management to the changing climate’