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  • Trees

    Green alder (VAR)

    Green alder is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is widely distributed across the northern temperate forests from north-west America to Japan through Central Europe. There are several recognised sub-species occurring across the range that are geographically distinct. The European species of green alder is Alnus viridis ssp. viridis. It is a light-demanding, fast-growing shrub that grows well on poorer soils. The species is well known for soil enrichment through atmospheric nitrogen fixation, soil stabilisation by forming a highly fibrous system, and for producing abundant leaf litter. The species has been a frequent component in land restoration projects. It has a potential role in upland forests where it will not compete with trees being grown for timber. However, it is unclear whether this role will increase with climate warming. Green alder is categorised as a Plot-stage species.  These are a group of species that have demonstrated some positive silvicultural characteristics at the Specimen-stage and are now subject to further testing and development in a limited number of trial plots.
  • Trees

    Japanese larch (JL)

    Japanese larch along with other larch species have been widely planted in Britain mainly due to their ease of establishment, rapid early growth, and versatile timber. Larch species had the potential for future expansion on the right sites. However its use now and in the future is under review with the continuing impacts of the disease Phytophthora ramorum affecting planting potential in much of Britain. Currently confirmed infections in larch stands are subject to Statutory Plant Health Notices issued by Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA). Japanese larch is categorised as a Principal tree species. These are tree species where silvicultural knowledge provides confidence to enable 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.
  • Trees

    Wild cherry, gean (WCH)

    Wild cherry or gean is one of two native cherries (the other bird cherry, Prunus padus) but the only one that grows to timber size. A species that currently is mainly planted for its ecological interest when establishing native woodlands. However, if managed for timber has the potential to produce high quality and high value logs. Wild cherry is categorised as a Secondary tree species. These are tree species that have demonstrated positive silvicultural characteristics in trial plots but gaps in knowledge constrain wider use. The species are being actively evaluated to increase understanding and inform future deployment.
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  • Research

    Fungi for Forest Restoration (Fungi4Restor)

    The Fungi4Restor project will investigate the patterns and mechanisms of soil woodland fungal community recovery on former agricultural land, assess the significance of these communities for tree establishment, and explore interventions as potential accelerators for the restoration of soil woodland fungal communities.
  • News
  • Trees

    Grey alder (GAR)

    Grey alder is one of c 35 species in the genus Alnus growing in northern temperate forests with a few in central and south America. Grey alder has between four and six sub-species (depending on taxonomic authority) with a wide range from central Europe across Russia to north-eastern America. All alders have a symbiotic relationship with Actinomyces alni (syn. Frankia alni) a bacterium that produces nitrogen fixing nodules on the roots. This ability offers alders, in general, a place in establishing trees on challenging sites, assisting in forest diversification in conifer plantations and as a nurse for more demanding species. Apart from its specialist role on reclaimed sites and as a nurse with other broadleaved species, this is likely to remain a minor species in British forestry. Grey alder is categorised as a Secondary tree species. These are species that demonstrated positive silvicultural characteristics in trial plots but gaps in knowledge constrain wider use. The species are being actively evaluated to increase understanding and inform future deployment.
  • Tools and Resources

    Meeting Notes – 20th February 2024

    Meeting notes from 20/02/2024
  • Trees

    Hybrid larch (HL)

    Hybrid larch is a cross between European larch (L. decidua) and Japanese larch (L. kaempferi). It carries characteristics of both parents, but growth rates show typical hybrid vigour growing faster than both. Often called the Dunkeld larch after the site it was thought to have first occurred it has now been renamed as it is now thought to have first crossed in Switzerland. A species which could be used to replace Sitka spruce on sites vulnerable to drought in eastern Scotland, but only if guaranteed hybrid material is available. However its use now and in the future is under review with the continuing impacts of the disease Phytophthora ramorum affecting planting potential in much of Britain. Hybrid larch is categorised as a Principal tree species. These are tree species where silvicultural knowledge provides confidence to enable 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.
  • Trees

    European larch (EL)

    European larch has been widely planted in Britain but not to any great extent with Japanese and hybrid larch preferred. There are two recognised varieties: L. decidua var. carpatica (Carpathian Mountains) and L. decidua var. polonica (hills on the Polish plains). The later is listed as endangered by the IUCN. This species has the potential for future expansion on the right sites, but its current position is unlikely to alter with projected climate change. However its use now and in the future is under review with the continuing impacts of the disease Phytophthora ramorum affecting planting potential in much of Britain. European larch is categorised as a Principal tree species. These are tree species where silvicultural knowledge provides confidence to enable 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.
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  • Current Vacancies

    Senior social scientist

    Alice Holt, Hampshire
    Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian
    Bristol
    Forest Research’s Society and Environment Research Group (SERG) is seeking to appoint a Senior Social Scientist to undertake and support the group’s research across a portfolio of projects. The post holder will carry out social science research across the core themes outlined above, with a particular emphasis on assessing the...

    Closing date: 10th April 2024

    Apply Now

    Social scientists x 2

    Alice Holt, Hampshire
    Northern Research Station, Roslin, Midlothian
    Bristol
    Forest Research’s Society and Environment Research Group (SERG) is seeking to appoint two Social Scientists to undertake and support the group’s research across a portfolio of projects. Successful candidates will carry out social science research across the core themes outlined above, that contributes to (i) improving understanding of the values,...

    Closing date: 10th April 2024

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