A strategy for the improvement of broadleaved trees in Britain and Ireland

The nations’ broadleaved trees, such as oak, chestnut, ash and birch, are important economically, socially and environmentally. Forest Research, Future Trees Trust and Earth Trust have jointly produced a strategy to improve Britain’s and Ireland’s broadleaved trees. The strategy, ‘A future with broadleaved trees’, sets out the case for wider use of improved broadleaved trees so that they will remain part of urban and rural landscapes for generations to come.

By using genetic diversity, we can ensure that seeds and trees in the future have a broad genetic base. This could aid their resilience to pests, diseases and changing climate, as well as producing higher timber yields.

The strategy calls on all those who are involved with or who benefit from these trees – from local and national government and those who own or manage woodland, to charities, NGOs and academic institutions – to support three key objectives that will ensure the woodlands of the future are productive, healthy and resilient.

The three objectives:

• Improving broadleaved trees through research
• Raising awareness of the benefits of using improved broadleaved trees
• Encouraging the planting of improved broadleaved trees by establishing a strong policy framework

The strategy is also supported by the forestry services of Northern Ireland and the Irish republic.

Download our strategy "A Future with Broadleaved Trees" 1311k

Contact

For further information about the strategy contact:

Dr Steve Lee

Related pages

• Tree improvement
• Climate change adaptation

Related documents

• A Future with Broadleaved trees

Useful sites

• Future Trees Trust
• Earth Trust