The Right Trees in The Right Place?

On the 21st July 2021 Matt Stanway - The National Trust’s Trees and Woodland Advisor for the South West and Wales - joined us to answer this question. He was in conversation with Rachael Emous-Austin, co-Chair of NailsworthCAN.

To catch up with the video of Matt’s talk, the conversation, and questions and answers, please click on the image below:

Background

Matt first set the scene. The UK has lower tree coverage than most countries in Europe, but this is being recognised in Government and it has set a target of 12% of land becoming woodland by 2050, which would require a rate of 20,000 hectares of land planted every year. Last year the UK managed 2-3,000 hectares so there is a big increase required in the rate of planting.

The National Trust (NT) hopes to have planted 20 million trees by 2030, increasing the tree coverage on its land from 10% to 17%.

NT sees local partners - including local Government, NGOs, and groups such as NailsworthCAN - as crucial in its endeavours to take forward its plans.

Right Tree in the Right Place

Planting the right tree in the right place involves a number of factors: natural habitat, species conservation, carbon capture, landscape, amenity value (access for walks and recreation), and timber production (not forgetting that timber used in construction can be part of the solution).

It is not possible to maximise all of these factors at the same place and time. Sometimes there are ‘constraints’ that exist that will limit what can be done. For example:

• Minchinhampton Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with rare limestone grassland plants, and with historic amenity value, and therefore not an area that should be covered with trees, but at its periphery some trees can aid in the ecosystems that thrive in the area.

• Woodchester Park is a registered parkland, with significant bat colonies. A lot of commercial planting is being cleared as part of a long term plan to bring back a more diverse mix of tree species. In addition, some areas will be retained as grazed pasture at the bottom of the valley, bringing ecological benefits (e.g. areas that are ideal for bats to feed).

Resources have been developed to help in decision making, including booklets to assist in understand and dealing with constraints such as SSSI.

When it comes to carbon sequestration and developing mature eco-systems, long timescales are involved, of typically 50 years.

If we prioritised carbon capture, we might opt for fast growing trees, but these will tend to have shorter lifetimes than broadleaf trees and not bring the same ecological benefits.

NT is working with other organisations (such as Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Tree Council, etc.) as part of the umbrella group Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership (GLNP) which is engaging in initiatives such as mapping the natural capital of the county.

Mix of Species

The question was raised as to what the species mix will be. It is great to try to ensure that ancient species are planted but there are factors at work that require some careful thought. Firstly, some species such as Elm and Ash have been hit hard by disease, so we cannot easily turn the clock back 100 years. Secondly, in the face of climate change (some of which is already making an impact), we need trees that are resilient to the worsening impacts (such as drought).

The species that we might expect to see planted include, for example: Small Leaf Lime, Hornbeam and Cherry; and Sycamore might well take on the role of Ash in our woodlands.

There was also a concern raised about what can be done about damage to trees - particularly young ones - from deer and squirrels. The NT has a number of different strategies for dealing with deer damage: temporary deer fencing; planting more heavily; using thorns as screening. This latter technique is mimicking how nature does it.

Natural Flood Management

Woodland can play a role in flood management. In the Stroud Valleys, following the floods of 2007, techniques have been pioneered to use natural methods (like ‘leaky dams’ made of fallen trees and branches) to reduce surges in flood water coming down from streams. Chris Uttley, who project managed much of this work, has now moved on to a national advisory role to replicate the ideas and methods learned in other areas of the UK.

Work is on-going in the Stroud valleys to research the methods, such as infiltration rates associated with different tree species and features.

Ash Dieback

There is currently a lot of interest in Ash Dieback and we have seen the impact of tree felling on our landscape, such as The W in Nailsworth and at the top of Frocester Hill, both of which on NT land.

Where trees are diseased but not a risk to the public or property,  the NT prefer to leave Ash to stay and become standing dead wood over time, providing important habitat. Between 5 and 10% of Ash seems to be resistant to die-back, but this is dependent on genetic and local factors.

Where Ash has infiltrated grassland in areas such as the Commons around Stroud, any new tree planting will not necessarily be in the same spot, because of the other factors mentioned earlier. It may often be the case that planting broadleaf varieties on the edge of grassland will be a better option, to promote the best ecological outcomes. This year alone, the NT will be planting 500 trees in Coaley Park and 6000 at Newark Park.

Every Little Helps

As you may know, NailsworthCAN has been raising money to help the NT in its work to plant trees, particularly in respect of areas such as The W that have been so impacted by Ash Dieback.

A tree whip costs as little as £1.50, but with the work required to plant it and some care and attention, this could grow to £5 per tree. If a robust deer guard is required the cost can jump to £300.

Maintenance is as important as the planting. For example, £800 is required to maintain 1,100 stems per hectare.

If you’d like to donate to NailsworthCAN's Michinhampton and Rodborough Common Countryside Fund please go to this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nailsworthcan-plantingtrees 

And Finally

Rachael thanked Matt for an interesting talk and discussion. It was very helpful in revealing some of the difficult trade-offs that have to be made to meet such a diverse range of needs, while highlighting the enormous benefits that come from our woodlands: to society, nature and our climate.

The results of the endeavours to manage woodlands today will not be fully realised for perhaps 50 years.

We can all help in working towards wise choices, for future generations to enjoy the fruits of our labours.