Search Results

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.

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.

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.

Weymouth pine (WEP)

Weymouth pine (also known as eastern white pine) is one of the most valuable and versatile tree species in eastern North America. It played a major role in the settlement and development of New England, and early on the species was recognised for its value as ship masts for the Royal Navy.  It is the state tree of Maine and Michigan. Introduced to Britain early in the 1700 s the tree was widely planted and popular in estate forestry, but fell out of favour with the arrival of white pine blister rust.  The issues with this disease restricted the wider use or trialling of the species in Britain. Recent work has demonstrated that if used appropriately Weymouth pine may have a role in forest diversification. Weymouth pine is categorised as a plot-stage species.  These are species that have demonstrated some positive silvicultural characteristics at the Specimen-stage and are now subject to further testing and examination in a limited number of trial plots.

Radiata pine, Monterey pine (RAP)

Radiata pine is one of the world’s most successful plantation species, especially in the southern hemisphere. Not only does it grow well on a range of sites from the highland sub-tropics to milder temperate regions, but it often grows exceptionally fast. Owing to its widespread success the timber is well known in the trade. It is the principal plantation species grown in Australia, Chile, and New Zealand. On the right site, radiata pine has the potential to be the fastest growing and most productive pine in Britain. The species should benefit as the climate warms and becomes more ‘Mediterranean’ so that a wider range of sites in southern and lowland Britain become suitable for planting. Radiata pine is listed as endangered by the IUCN. Radiata pine 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.

Maritime pine (MAP)

Maritime pine has a wide natural distribution throughout the Mediterranean region, but the natural range is unclear due to extensive planting. Main uses are the stabilisation of sand dunes and as a forest species on low fertility soils. The Les Landes forest in south-west France covers 900,000 ha and is the world’s largest man-made forest. In Britain past plantings in the south of England have grown well but it has not been widely planted. There is growing interest in maritime pine for forest diversification particularly where Corsican pine is the dominant species. This is a species which could play a larger role in forests in southern Britain and coastal regions with climate warming if improved varieties were used. Maritime pine 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.

Oriental spruce (ORS)

Oriental spruce is a medium-sized conifer native to mountainous areas in Caucasia and north-eastern Turkey. It is an important timber species with wood qualities equivalent to Norway spruce. The species will hybridise freely with other spruce species. Oriental spruce has demonstrated some potential as an alternative species and could be planted where conditions suit as part of forest diversification. Oriental spruce is categorised as a plot-stage species.  These are species that have shown some positive silvicultural characteristics at the Specimen-stage and are now subject to further testing and development in a limited number of trial plots.

Shining gum (SHE)

A fast-growing hardy eucalypt with potential as a timber species which is being grown in extensive plantations in Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain and South Africa mainly for wood pulp. Currently being evaluated in Britain but is known to be less cold tolerant than cider gum (E. gunnii). This species is cold limited in Britain and is restricted to mild, lowland sites or those close to the coast. Climate warming may increase potential for utilization. Shining gum 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.

Andrew Leslie

Atlas cedar (ACR)

The true cedars (Cedrus spp.) comprise four closely related species; three that intergrade across their discontinuous range in Turkey and north-west Africa with a separate species Cedrus deodara occurring in the western Himalayas. Their fine timber has become a watchword for quality with many other species, including non-conifers, called ‘cedar’ to convey this. All three cedars – Atlas, deodar, and Lebanon – have long been valued, notably cedar-of-Lebanon, as the timber of choice for palaces and temples in classical times. In the UK Atlas (or Atlantic) cedar has the potential for wider use as the climate warms. It could become a valuable addition to the suite of species for lowland planting in southern Britain, particularly where soils are neutral to calcareous. Atlas cedar is listed as endangered by the IUCN. Atlas cedar 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.

Noble fir (NF)

A non-native, under-utilized species that has potential as a productive tree species for forest diversification. It can tolerate exposure better than Douglas-fir and grand fir, can be slow to establish, but subsequent growth is rapid.  Its timber is perceived to be poor, but only limited testing has taken place in Britain. Noble fir 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.

Pacific silver fir (PSF)

Pacific silver fir is one of the major tree species in the forests of the Pacific north-west but has received little attention in Britain. Research and experience have demonstrated that it has the potential to be as productive as many of the commonly planted conifers and should be considered for wider use in the wetter, upland areas of the country where Sitka spruce dominates. Its ability to tolerate heavy shade and regenerate under suitable conditions means this is a species suited to continuous cover forestry and forest diversification. Pacific silver fir 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.