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4042 Search Results

  • Trees

    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.
  • Trees

    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.
  • News
  • Staff

    Greg Counsell

    Social Scientist
    Society and environment research group (SERG)
  • Staff

    Grace van der Wielen

    Social Scientist
    Society and environment research group (SERG)
  • Staff

    George Murrell

    Social Scientist
    Society and environment research group (SERG)
  • Staff

    Rachel Orchard

    Social Scientist
    Society and environment research group (SERG)
  • Events
  • Trees

    Serbian spruce (OMS)

    Serbian spruce was once widespread in Europe but became a victim of the last ice-age and is now a relict limited to refugium in a confined area of the Balkans. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. An elegant tree instantly recognisable by its narrow spire like form and drooping branches; a natural adaptation to shedding snow. Serbian spruce was one of many species trialled in Britain but never widely planted. However, its silvicultural characteristics could enable it to fill a niche in UK forest diversification. Serbian spruce is categorised as a Secondary tree species.  These are species that have demonstrated positive silvicultural characteristics in trial plots but gaps in knowledge constrain wider use. These species are being actively evaluated to increase understanding and inform future deployment.
  • Trees

    Small-leaved lime (SLI)

    Small-leaved lime is a long-lived tree (up to 500 years) and one of two native species. It occasionally occurs in pure stands but usually as a component of mixed broadleaved woodlands. It has a wider distribution and is more common than the other native large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos) The hybrid (T. x europaea) of small and large-leaved lime is very widely planted especially in parkland and avenues. Limes exude copious amounts of aphid honeydew in summer and can be an irritation if you park your car under one. Once a dominant forest species it declined after 3000 BC largely due to human activity. Lime woodlands that still exist largely remain due to local historical importance and are often linked to local place names e.g., Lyndhurst (Hampshire), Limpole (Northamptonshire) and Linwood (Lincolnshire). Small-leaved lime is a native tree and 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.
  • Trees

    Wellingtonia, Giant sequoia (WSQ)

    Wellingtonia old growth trees in California are known as the largest living trees on earth. Specimens are known with a DBH of nearly 9 m and ages of over 3000 years old. A widely planted tree since mid-Victorian times and often, today, the tallest tree in a locality. Frequently planted as an avenue. Surprisingly few plantations have been established despite showing vigorous growth in several plots on a range of sites. The Royal Forestry Society’s redwood grove on the Leighton Estate, Powys, plainly demonstrates its considerable potential as a timber species. Wellingtonia is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Wellingtonia is categorised as a Secondary tree species. These are 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.
  • Trees

    Red oak (ROK)

    A fast-growing, non-native broadleaved tree that produces timber with good wood properties and has attractive autumnal colour.  There are currently 852 ha of the species in Britain, and it could find an increased role on drier soils in the south and east of the country as a result of climate warming. One of a number of red oak species a number of which have shown positive traits as specimens or in limited plot trials and warrant further research. Red oak 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.