Woodland flora
Introducing woodland flora is not easy. The classic woodland flora of old semi-natural woods represents centuries of slow development, and cannot be replicated in the space of a few years. In the first few years, while the canopy is closing over, there is little point in trying to introduce woodland plants, as they will be smothered by other plants which grow more strongly in the sunlight.
The following techniques will assist the development of a woodland flora:
- If possible, plan the new planting area to incorporate any hedges, clumps of bushes, existing trees and any other remnant woodland. Remove the turf where any existing woodland abuts onto the new planting, to encourage the spread of woodland species.
- Manage the ground between the trees as described above.
- Pot grown plants of native species can be planted in the wood, once the conditions are suitable for their survival. Choose species typical of the type of wood planted, and typical of the locality. For guidance, consult the lists of ‘desired invaders’ in Creating New Native Woodlands, Forestry Commission (1994).
Any planting has to be seen as a long process, which slowly helps build up the woodland flora. The woodland cannot be transformed in a season. Ideally, combine the planting plans with a small nursery operation, where plants can be propagated each year for planting out into the woodland.
When planting, concentrate on a few areas at a time, watering and weeding the plants as necessary until they are established and spreading. Propagating, planting and management is a good activity for involving voluntary groups. - Where copses or woodlands are being destroyed for development, it may be possible to transfer clods of the woodland soil to the new site. Success is variable, and this should not be seen as an acceptable alternative to preserving the original habitat.
Pruning and thinning
Pruning
This will depend on the type of woodland planted, and the speed of establishment. In general, urban woods need to be fairly open for recreational use, and pruning and thinning will be required to a greater extent than in a woodland planted mainly for wildlife.
Where straight trunks are desired, side branches should be pruned in winter, in the second or third year after planting out. You can prune away most of the side growth, leaving the leader with a few side branches. About three years later, when the tree is 8-9 years old, a second pruning removes side branches to again leave a leader and top branches only. Long handled pruners or ladders will be needed. This type of pruning is mainly used for trees grown for timber, and would not normally be appropriate for all areas of an urban wood. However as it rapidly produces tall stately trees that are pleasant to walk beneath, it may be well worth treating at least a glade of trees in this way. A disadvantage is that the newly pruned trees with their single leader are perhaps more attractive to vandals than bushy trees. However, as the leaders rapidly grow out of reach this may not be a problem. If the leader is broken, cut the damaged part off and another leader will take over. Most major broadleaves respond well to this sort of pruning, including oak, ash, beech, lime, poplar, sycamore and cherry.
Thinning
If establishment has been successful, closely planted trees will need thinning. An exception are trees planted for coppicing. The timing and amount of thinning will vary according to the species and mix of trees planted, the objectives of the planting, and the amount of growth. In commercial woodlands, the need for thinning will be directly related to the cost of the operation and the financial return from the thinnings. In urban woodlands, thinning is more likely to be related to the amenity value of the woodland. In general, well spaced trees with enough light penetrating the woodland floor to allow growth of woodland plants will be the aim. Any income from thinnings and from the final timber crop may be a secondary objective. Woodland edges, areas planted with minor broadleaves and shrubs, and zones where access is being discouraged may not need any thinning.
The following details give a general guide to thinning plots or ‘stands’ of commercial broadleaved trees, and are not applicable for all situations. Each woodland will be different, and the balance of objectives will vary. Regeneration of the woodland must also be considered. natural regeneration or replanting will be needed to maintain the woodland cover. Various forestry systems can be used, including group felling, shelterwood or selection systems. For further details see the Forestry Practice Guide for the relevant type of woodland, available free from the Forestry Commission (see bibliography) and obtain advice as necessary.
Most broadleaved amenity woods will require thinning about every 10 years during the first 40 years of growth. Beech and oak are slower growing, and should only require thinning about every 15 years.
Around 10 years after planting, the trees should be thinned to leave about 600 trees per hectare, equivalent to about 4m spacing. For timber production, only the straightest, best grown trees should be selected. For amenity and wildlife, trees of varying form can be selected, with multi- stemmed or oddly-shaped trees an advantage. Dead trees can be left where they are not a danger. The first thinnings can be removed for firewood or other uses, or cut up or chipped on site, and left to rot down on the woodland floor. Piled up brashings are useful for discouraging access to certain areas, but don’t leave any if they may be set alight by vandals.
After the first thinning, the woodland should be left until the crowns of the trees are touching, which should be around 20 years after planting. The second thinning should leave about 300 trees per hectare, at an average of about 6m spacing. The thinnings can be sold for firewood, pulpwood or other uses. Around 30 years after planting, the third thinning should leave about 200 trees, with the thinnings saleable for sawlogs. Around 40 years after planting, the fourth thinning should leave about 100 final crop trees, at about 10 m spacing.
Gomm’s Wood, High Wycombe
Gomm’s Wood is a 35 acre (15 hectare) woodland on the outskirts of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. In partnership with Wycombe District Council and Southern Electric, TCV are managing it as a Demonstration Wood. The aims are to:
- manage a woodland with a long-term commitment that can be of benefit to both local people and wildlife
- provide a training and educational resource to increase and develop the practical and organisational skills of volunteers and the local community
- encourage the use of green wood and coppice products, helping to keep traditional woodland skills alive and stimulating local markets
- provide a focal point for involving the community in managing the woodland, enabling them to take action to protect their local environment.
The history of Gomm’s Wood is typical of many such woodlands, with phases of clearance, planting and management over the years, creating a range of habitats. By 1824, much of the wood had been felled and ‘grubbed out’ for agriculture, creating fields known as ‘Grubbings’. Only a small area has remained continuously wooded, and has plants typical of ancient woodland, such as wood spurge, sweet woodruff and dog’s mercury.
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Lower Fell Greave Woods and Bradley Gate in Huddersfield, Yorkshire have a varied history typical of many such areas. In the past they were used to supply charcoal for iron production, bark for tannin and timber for many purposes. Once part of a great rural estate, the woodlands are now almost surrounded by housing, and had been unmanaged for about 30 years. In 1993, a few local dog- walkers got together to remove some of the rusty barbed wire which surrounded plots planted in the early 1960s. Other rubbish was cleared and the council were contacted for help in removing abandoned cars. The group moved on to clearing undergrowth and improving some of the footpaths. Enthused to further action, the group formed themselves into ‘Woodscape’, and with the help of TCV, extended their activities to include a range of work within the woodlands. This has included major footpath improvements, clearance, thinning and replanting, pond creation and management of meadows. An area of disused allotment adjacent to housing has become the group’s base, with a toolstore, tree nursery, greenhouse, patio and large comfortable shed for tea-breaks. After suitable training, the group purchased a petrol-driven wood chipper to convert prunings and thinnings into woodchips, which are used for path surfacing and mulch. Woodscape has become an important part of the lives of those involved in running it, most of whom are older residents without ties of work or family. Children are always welcomed as users and contributors to the woodland. In the summer of 1994, with the help of a community worker, Woodscape ran a playscheme for two weeks, attended by 22 local children.
