SilvicultureSilviculture is the growing of trees as a crop through the phases of establishment, selection, thinning and removal. As with any other form of land or crop management, it can be done in many different ways, depending on conditions, species, objectives and outlook. Central Europe began developing modern forestry in the eighteenth century, with sustainable production being the main aim. Many types of regeneration and establishment methods have been used, involving either planting or natural seeding. Silviculture has developed through clear felling, to shelterwood systems, to continuous cover, latterly for appearance and reduced impact. During this phase, Britain imported most of her timber needs from abroad. While the rate of deforestation had bottomed out, little new planting was done. Establishment of the Forestry Commission in 1919 saw the beginning of re-afforestation. Since then, different phases of tax incentives and grant funding has resulted in a learning curve for forestry in Britain. In many cases, ancient and established woodland suffered inappropriate treatment. But while things had at last begun to happen, the system of coppice or coppice-with-standards continued in many woodlands. Coppice with standards This traditional form of silviculture aimed to optimise output for local timber and fuel production, to help develop the industrial economy. The system involves “standards”, widely spaced trees being grown for sawlogs on a long rotation. These are amongst a matrix of coppice stools, which are cut on relatively short periodic cycles, depending on species and intended use. For example hazel may be cut every 7 years, whereas ash or field maple could be cut every 15 to 25 years.
Why is it a good system? * It lets light into the woodland, compartment by compartment, over the period of the management plan. This regular intervention improves habitat and biodiversity, encouraging ground flora and many insect species * It avoids clear felling, helping to reduce dessication and protect the woodland floor * It can provide a regular, maximum output of woodfuel whilst growing timber for saw logs * It allows a period for replanting and natural regeneration, restocking for the future * Stools regenerate fast and economically if suitably protected * Planting method for new standards is economic and appropriate * Can allow for natural regeneration of selected coppice species, where some are maintained as seed trees * It is historic, and links us with established methods of industrial production of woodfuel and timber in the past Today While coppice-with-standards was the traditional form of silviculture, it is also increasingly appropriate for today’s markets. An increase in woodfuel boiler and stove installations is driving a new market for fuel and firewood. Just as in the old days, coppice-with-standards is a system that will supply good quality fuel, timber and other benefits. Restoring the system Woodland, neglected over the past decades, is likely to have had the best timber trees removed, with no replacements established. Compartments may appear to be scrappy and have little value. It may be that there are only older standards of poor genetic quality, with no new age classes. A re-coppicing will rejuvenate the stand, and planting will begin a new generation of standards. PAWS
Some ancient woodlands have areas of plantation within them, or may have been entirely clearfelled and planted with unsuitable, non-native species. These are referred to as Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites, or PAWS. PAWS restoration is a managed process of removing inappropriate plantation species, usually conifer, and returning the woodland to native species. It involves gradually letting light onto the woodland floor, protecting any remnants of ancient woodland, and selecting for potential regeneration of native species.
Contact Clive
for advice or support in the management of ancient or established woodland.
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