In these new case study videos, we blend science with storytelling to share two very different examples of climate change adaptation on woodland sites located in the Midlands and mid-Sussex. Visit our case studies page to find out more information about Gipps Wood, Bell Coppice and other adaptation examples.

Planning 200 years ahead in Gipps Wood, Sussex

Meet Estate Manager Ruth Wallis who helps oversee a 3 ha bicentenary plantation, designed to be resilient to the changing climate in 200 years. Ruth explains the background to this innovative project and how they used a combination of local knowledge, expert advice and data from the Ecological Classification Tool (ESC) to select a total of seven tree species that were established in 2017/18. Ruth shares learnings to date from the project, and Tree Species Silviculturist Chris Reynolds reinforces the importance of planning ahead for the changing climate.

Managing a woodland with acute oak decline: Bell Coppice

We speak to forestry consultant Andrew Woods about managing 80 ha family-owned Bell Coppice woodland in the Midlands with acute oak decline (AOD) and the measures that have been taken to adapt to climate change. Principal Pathologist Sandra Denman explains what AOD is, the impact on timber and ways to help control the disease, and Research Entomologist Daegan Inward helps clarify the impact of climate change on trees and AOD.

Look out for more information on tree health and resilient woodland management during National Plant Health Week 8-14 May 2023.