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Summary

Brownfield sites are often host to hostile conditions which have to be overcome to successfully and sustainably establish greenspace. Soils are often characterised by compaction and poor structure, low organic matter and poor fertility associated with their previous use or method of reinstatement. They may exhibit poor winter drainage or, at the other extreme, severe summer droughtiness. Some sites may completely lack soil resources and require the use of soil-forming materials to simulate soil conditions. Other sites may pose restrictions to tree growth through the presence of landfill caps, contaminants or other pollution control measures. The key to creating effective and sustainable greenspace is to plan for and create the correct site conditions, prior to first planting, which will enable trees and other vegetation to reach maturity.


Planning for brownfield land regeneration to woodland

Overview

Planning for brownfield land regeneration to woodland Practice Note contains six stages, each containing multiple tasks. Information presented on these pages should be used in conjunction with the Practice Note.

Each of the stages and tasks are presented, accompanied by detailed information concerning their characteristics (type, status, inputs, outputs), the implications of the stage and tasks to regeneration delivery and the skills required to deliver them.

The process presented is the ‘ideal’ approach to regeneration focusing on woodland end use; however the process is equally applicable to other forms of greenspace.

The process presented herein is supported by PRiSM, a Microsoft Project Model template to help you plan your regeneration project, and a Checklist of Questions.

Contact

Kieron Doick


Reducing soil compaction of brownfield sites

What are the best options for planting trees on brownfield sites with compacted soil?

Brownfield sites typically suffer from soil compaction. The processes involved in the remediation and reclamation of brownfield sites can also lead to soil compaction where best practice is not followed. Soil compaction inhibits plant growth as their roots struggle to take up water and nutrients. Poor root development also increases the risk of strong winds uprooting trees. Forest Research tested a range of cultivation methods to maximise the soil depth available for planting. Measurements of tree health and soil properties over five years showed that complete cultivation is the most effective method to alleviate compactions.

Status

2001-2006

Findings and Recommendations

  • A model to predict the critical penetration resistance value at which plant rooting will be significantly affected
  • Comparison of two methods for measuring penetration resistance: the penetrometer and the ‘lifting driving tool
  • The ‘lifting driving tool’ is the most cost effective and user-friendly method to assess soil compaction
  • No benefit from post-planting soil loosening – use of industrial ‘rippers’ after cultivation makes no significant improvement to soil penetration resistance or tree health
  • Complete cultivation recommended – soil compaction best alleviated with complete cultivation to a depth of 1.1m

Publications

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Kieron Doick

Research objectives

Forest Research is seeking to create and improve best practice on achieving sustainable restoration. We are currently investigating ways to:

Contact

Kieron Doick

Forestry Commission Policy

Use of land degraded by former industrial and urban activity makes an increasingly important contribution to the expansion of woodland. Trees planted on such sites offer immense social benefits in addition to the possibility of economic activity on formerly unproductive land. This programme supports the related objectives of the English Forestry Strategy and across Great Britain generally.

Downloads

England Forestry Strategy

PDF, 1.35 MB

A New Focus for England's Woodlands. Strategic Priorities and Programmes.

Funding & partners
  • Forestry Commission
  • Department for Communities & Local Government

Related content

Research

Contamination and integrated remediation of brownfield land

Research into integrated urban remediation and greening, phytoremediation and stabilisation, influence of vegetation on pollutant pathways, water quality, metal removal, organic contaminant removal and tree tolerance to heavy metals

Status completed