High forest, regular felling

Conventional forestry with different felling patterns performed at regular intervals

Silvicultural system	Rotation length	Regeneration method	Thinning	Felling	Notes
Uniform system	As with a Clear Fell system, except the old crop is cleared by two or more successive regeneration fellings	May be planted on larger areas or if the species composition of the wood is being changed. Otherwise, will often use natural regeneration from seed (“Shelterwood” systems)	May take place throughout the lifetime of the crop. Thinning may be systematic (eg every third tree) or selective (eg the 20% of trees with the poorest form)	Even opening of the canopy (eg fell every other tree)	Similar to a progressively heavy thinning. Allows the natural regeneration of the woodland from seed from the remaining trees (rather than planting) where possible
Group system				Opening of the canopy in scattered gaps	Gaps are expanded in successive fellings. Allows the natural regeneration of the woodland from seed from the remaining trees (rather than planting) where possible
Irregular shelterwood system				Opening of the canopy irregular and gradual	A system of successive regeneration fellings similar to a group system with particular emphasis on the sustained output of good quality timber, and regeneration of native species mixtures
Strip and wedge system				A systematic series of fellings in narrow strips (often towards the prevailing wind direction)	Reduces the risk of wind damage to a crop, and allows natural regeneration