Tree species diversity
This document discusses the importance of increasing tree species diversity in forests and woodlands as a strategy to adapt to climate change and reduce associated risks. It highlights various benefits of diversification, such as reducing vulnerability to windthrow, wildfire, pests, diseases, drought, and frost, while enhancing biodiversity, timber variety, and overall stand productivity. The guidance emphasizes selecting appropriate species, including exotics with proven resilience, and using mixed planting and under-planting techniques to improve forest resilience. Nurseries are also developing climate-resistant stock, such as drought-tolerant trees, which can contribute to diversification efforts. Resources like the UK Forest Strategy Practice Guide and tools such as the Ecological Site Classification (ESC) and tree species database are recommended to aid decision-making. Case studies and further resources are provided to illustrate successful diversification practices. The overall message stresses that diversification is a key adaptation measure to build more resilient forests capable of withstanding climate change impacts.
Tree species diversity (en)
Target countries: United Kingdom
Key takeaways
- Diversifying tree species can reduce climate-related risks
- Implementing a mixture of species can mitigate vulnerabilities to windthrow, wildfire, pests, diseases, drought, and frost, thereby making forests more resilient to climate change.
- Use of provenance testing enhances exotic species' success
- Choosing tree species with proven genetic adaptability through provenance testing improves resilience and performance when incorporating exotic species into forests.
- Mixed-species stands increase forest resilience and productivity
- Under-planting and creating diverse stands not only contribute to climate change adaptation but also support pest and disease resistance, ultimately boosting overall productivity.
- Decision support tools facilitate species selection
- Resources like the Ecological Site Classification and tree species database help identify suitable species and provenances for specific site conditions, ensuring effective diversification strategies.
- Nursery breeding improves climate resilience of planting stocks
- Nurseries developing drought-resistant and climate-resilient stock, especially those certified under schemes like Plant Healthy, play a crucial role in increasing forest adaptation capacity.
- Diversification strategy aligns with multiple forest management goals
- Increasing tree species diversity supports timber market opportunities, biodiversity enhancement, and long-term landscape resilience, making it a central component of sustainable forest management.
Sources
- Tree species diversity - - https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/climate-change/adaptation-measures/tree-species-diversity/
