Forestry Facts & Figure 2017

This booklet contains a summary of statistics about woodland and forestry. The complete statistics for 2017 are available on our forestry statistics web page.Please note – the printed version of this document is an A2 sheet folded to A6. The PDF of the document is set to print at A3 therefore some of the pages […]

Choice of silver birch planting stock for productive woodlands

Silver birch is second only to oak in terms of total broadleaved woodland area in Britain. In the last two decades there has been an increase in the planting of birch woodlands both for timber production and the creation of native woodlands. The GB map of Native Seed Zones and Regions of Provenance provides guidance […]

Implications of lowland broadleaved woodland management for the conservation of target bird species

This research consisted of a literature review and field study which investigated woodland management for birds within lowland broadleaved woodlands in Britain. The research considered the effect of woodland management (silvicultural intervention and control of deer browsing) on vegetation structure, and the relationships between vegetation structure and woodland birds. Based on habitat–bird relationships, a classification […]

An easy guide to forest trees and their uses

This Guide lets you find out more about the trees found in the forests and woodlands of Great Britain.

Timber properties of noble fir, Norway spruce, western red cedar and western hemlock grown in Great Britain

The softwood processing sector in Great Britain has been built around the use of a very small number of timber-producing species – predominantly Sitka spruce. The recent increase in outbreaks of host-specific tree pests and diseases has led to an interest in diversification, through planting a wider range of tree species, to mitigate any risk […]

Converting planted non-native conifer to native woodlands: a review of the benefits, drawbacks and experience in Britain

Planted forests of non-native conifers make up around 36% of Britain’s total wooded area. Increasing the area of native woodlands – including converting non-native conifer to native woodland where appropriate – is an aim of the UK Forestry Standard Guidelines on Biodiversity. It is unclear how much conversion is being implemented, what the motivations might […]

Understanding the provision of conifer seed for woodland species

Conifer seed provides an important food resource for many woodland mammals, birds and insects, including some of Britain’s rarest species. This Research Note brings together information from a number of sources on cone and seed production by the main conifers planted in Britain. This information can help managers assess the seed resources of their woodlands […]

Sustainable construction timber

Timber is a versatile and high performance construction material that can be produced in most parts of the UK. This second edition of ‘Sustainable construction timber’ has been written to help building designers and contractors source and specify local timber products. The report explains why local sourcing of timber is important, reviews the range of […]

Forest Yield: A handbook on forest growth and yield tables for British forestry

Yield models are one of the foundations of forest management. They provide information about the patterns of tree growth and potential productivity that can be expected in forest stands of different tree species, with varying growth rates, when managed in different ways. Yield models are in daily use by forest managers and practitioners when making […]

Export certification

Pests and diseases can be carried on plants and trees, seeds, wood and wood products including wooden packaging material and isolated bark. They may also be carried on vehicles and machinery where they have not been properly cleaned and are carrying soil or plant debris. If you intend to export such material out of Great […]

Importing woodchip

Plant Health controls apply to a wide range of wood products, including woodchip. These controls are in place to prevent the spread of pests and pathogens that would be ecologically and economically damaging if introduced to Great Britain (GB). Import regulations are tree species specific, and may vary according to the country of origin and […]

Minimum facilities at ports

This revised Guide sets out the obligations which apply to port authorities and others responsible for the points of entry in Great Britain where controlled wood, wood products or other goods which are accompanied by wooden packaging are landed. The Guide gives advice on the facilities needed, not only to meet the requirements of the […]