Jeskyns mixed broadleaf climate adaptation demonstration
This case study describes the Jeskyns mixed broadleaf woodland demonstrating climate change adaptation measures, managed by Forestry England since 2006/7 to promote public benefit, education, and recreation. The site was planned with foresight, creating two adjacent areas: ‘Woodland Present’ with species typical of southeast England at the time, and ‘Woodland Future’ with species and provenances expected to perform better under future climate conditions, such as increased temperatures and reduced rainfall projected for 2050.
Adaptive measures included selecting species less vulnerable to drought, diversifying species and provenances (including less common and more southerly provenances), and adjusting the native/native mix to enhance drought resilience. For example, species like hornbeam, walnut, and small leaf lime are projected to do well in future conditions, while species like beech and wild cherry are expected to decline. Provenance selection involved using progenies from more southerly regions like mid-France, providing genetic diversity to buffer against climate uncertainty.
The planting strategy involved a mixture of native and non-native species, with a focus on species pairs to compare growth and resilience, such as beech versus hornbeam or sycamore versus sweet chestnut. Monitoring after ten years showed that overall, there were no significant differences in survival or health between the two areas, although some species like birch performed better in ‘Woodland Future’. The study also documented impacts such as ash dieback disease and phenological changes like earlier bud burst, indicating climate change effects.
Lessons learned highlight the value of these foresighted demonstration areas in illustrating climate adaptation, although their small size limits experimental conclusions. Ongoing monitoring will help refine management practices, improve understanding of species and provenance performance, and inform broader woodland management strategies. The case study underscores the importance of integrating climate change considerations into woodland planning and management to enhance resilience.
[https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2022/05/UKFSPG026_CS3_Jeskyns.pdf Jeskyns mixed broadleaf climate
adaptation demonstration] (en)
Number of pages: 3
Target countries: United Kingdom
Key takeaways
- Climate change scenarios informed species selection for future resilience
- Tree species in the Woodland Future were chosen based on predictive models indicating better growth and survival under increased drought and temperature conditions, exemplified by selecting species like hornbeam and walnut over declining species such as beech and wild cherry.
- Demonstration areas showcase adaptive forestry practices and genetic diversification
- Two side-by-side woodlands—'Woodland Present' and 'Woodland Future'—were planted with different species and provenances to highlight climate adaptation strategies and the importance of genetic diversity for resilience.
- Monitoring indicates mixed success and highlights vulnerabilities such as disease susceptibility
- Assessments after 10 years revealed no significant overall differences between areas, but individual species like birch performed better in the future climate scenario, while ash trees suffered from dieback, exemplifying climate-related pest and disease risks.
- Adaptive planting involved non-native provenances to increase drought resilience
- French-origin oak, ash, cherry, and field maple were used in the woodland future area to demonstrate the impact of provenance choice, with mixed native and non-native species adjustments made to reflect future climate conditions.
- Creating demonstration areas provides valuable foresight, despite size limitations
- Although not designed as experimental trials, the proximity and ongoing growth of the stands allow insights into climate impacts and adaptation strategies, with plans for continued monitoring and knowledge sharing.
- Lessons from Jeskyns emphasize the importance of foresight in climate adaptation
- The project shows how early climate change considerations can inform practical forestry management today, underscoring the need to leverage such demonstration sites for ongoing learning and public engagement.
Sources
- Jeskyns mixed broadleaf climate
adaptation demonstration - - https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2022/05/UKFSPG026_CS3_Jeskyns.pdf
