Increasing the diversity of tree species can refer to changing tree species, increasing the overall number of different species, mixing species in stands or making use of different provenances.

• Where considering exotic tree species, choose species which have been the subject of provenance testing and trials.
• Under-planting and mixed species restocking can improve resilience, not only to climate change but also to other threats, such as pest and disease outbreaks.
• Nurseries are developing stock with the aim to improve climate resilience, e.g. breeding for drought resistance. Incorporating an element of these adds diversification and resilience within the same species. Nurseries that are members of certification schemes such as ‘Plant Healthy‘ offer an additional degree of quality assurance about planting stock health.

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