Edward Wilson1 and Philippe Morgan2

1 Director, Silviculture Research International and Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto 2 Director, SelectFor Ltd and President, Pro Silva

Institute of Fisheries Management Specialist Conference

Rheged, Penrith, Cumbria

21-23 April 2015

First presented: 21 04 2015

This version (1.1): 02 05 2015

RESEARCH

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Forestry and Fisheries – Where Next?

Continuous Cover Forestry:

an alternative model for the sustainable management

of woodlands and watersheds in Britain

Outline of Presentation

• British Forestry – the drive for adaptation, resilience and delivery of ecosystem services

• What is Continuous Cover Forestry?

• Environmental benefits and opportunities

• CCF in practice – an evolving knowledge base

• Conclusions

"All our resolves and decisions are made in a mood or frame of mind which is certain to change."

Proust

Ecosystem Services

• Benefits to society from ecosystems

• Millenium Ecosystem Assessment, United Nations (2005).

1. Supporting services: ecosystem services "that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services”

2. Provisioning services: "products obtained from ecosystems“

3. Regulating services: "benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes“

4. Cultural services: "nonmaterial benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences"

Forestry is Multi-Functional Thirlmere Forest – Stakeholder Engagement

Criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management

Source: Wilson and Leslie 2009

Independent Panel on Forestry (2012)

• Keywords:

– Climate change (43 mentions)

– Adapt/Adaptation (14 mentions)

– Woodland Culture (19 mentions)

– Resilience/resilient (22 mentions)

“Action taken now to increase the resilience of our woodland resource will help reduce the future costs of dealing with the effects of climate change.” (p. 8)

0

200

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1000

1200

1400

1600

< 15 15–50 51–100 > 100

Are

a ('

000

ha)

Age Class (years)

1947

0

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600

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1200

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< 15 15–50 51–100 > 100

Age Class (years)

1965

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< 15 15–50 51–100 > 100

Age Class (years)

1982

Area of High Forest by Age Class Groups 1947-2000

0

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1400

1600

< 15 15–50 51–100 > 100

Age Class (years)

2000

Broadleaves Conifers

Source: Mason 2007

• The area of woodland has increased dramatically from 1947-2000 • The amount and complexity of older woodland is increasing

Forest Cover in Britain

Legend :

Green = Forestry Commission Blue = private ownership

Graphic created by CCFG. Forest cover map: Crown Copyright © 2008 Forest Research. Reproduced with permission.

• Approx 3.1 M ha total woodland area. • 13 % of GB land area

• 18% in Scotland • 10% in England

• One of the most highly deforested countries in Europe

• EU average forest cover approx 35% of land area

Threats to UK Forests

Source: Forestry Commission England 2012

• Low Resilience of Existing Forest Resources

– Low number of productive species

– Monoculture stands are most common

• Climate change

– Summer droughts increasingly likely, especially in South and East

– Extreme rain and flooding events are more likely

– Ecosystem change – especially ground plants

• Pests and diseases

– Native and exotic

Kielder Forest – largest plantation in Europe Source: Forestry Commission

Kielder Forest Source: Forestry Commission

~90% of conifer forests are managed on the clear-fell system

Conifer Forest Cover in England SP, CP, SS, DF, L’s = 88%

Conifer Species Today

Scots Pine

Corsican Pine

Sitka Spruce

Douglas Fir

Larch (EL, HL, JL)

Other Conifer

The vast majority of conifers are grown in plantations, managed on the clearfell system. Source: Forestry Commission.

Percentage of Braodleaf Cover in England by Species

Oak

26%

Beech

10%

Sycamore

8%

Ash

16%

Birch

12%

Poplar

2%

Sweet chestnut

2%

Elm

0%

Other Broadleaves

11%

Mixed Broadleaves

13%

Data Source National Inventory of

Woodland -England. Reference

date 1998.

Broadleaf Forest Cover in England Oak + Ash + Beech + Sycamore + Birch = 72%

Woodland types in UK Legacy of past policies and actions

15%

10%

10%65%

Ancient semi-natural

Recent semi-natural

Ancient replanted

Recent plantation

Kirby et al. 1998

What Ecological Site Classification (ESC) suggests in terms of the dominant productive species

Effects of climate change on the identity of the most productive conifer species as predicted by Ecological Site Classification for the UKCIP02 2050s High and Low emission scenarios.

ESC is based on temperature, moisture and soil physical properties It does not consider Dothistroma, or any other pests or diseases.

Risk to woodlands on the Public Forest Estate (PFE)

By the 2080s, a risk of 65% of the PFE being classed as ‘unsuitable’ in the absence of adaptation – or 35% decline in productivity

Source: Forestry Commission 2012

25th July 2012 Which tree species to plant for a

changing environment Source: Forestry Commission 2012

New tree disease and pest outbreaks UK

Climate Change Action Plan for the Public Forest Estate (PFE)

We will adopt the principle of anticipatory adaptation. This offers the highest potential gains for forest resilience, and the benefits they provide.

We will take an approach that is ‘not risk averse’.

Global emissions are currently tracking close to some of the more extreme emissions scenarios that have been published, so it is prudent to consider the 2050 high scenario when planning for the future.

Diversification is the theme!

Succession stages in a natural forest

initial stage intermediate stage

open ground

final stage

Strategies for Enhancing Forest Resilience

Modify thinning regimes Extend “rotations”

Diversify Structures CCF

Species choice - genetics/provenance

Mixed species

Assisted migration of native species

New species introduced

Wider use of “minor” species

Adapted from diagram by Jens Haufe

The Read Report (2009) Combating climate change – a role for UK forests

• Key findings “THE ADAPTATION OF UK FORESTS AND WOODLANDS TO CLIMATE CHANGE” (Chapter 9, p. 164) ...

“The majority of woods are likely to be treated as high forest in different forms. Whereas clearfell systems have predominated in the past, in future continuous cover forestry approaches may become more advantageous, because:

– they are thought to be more windfirm

– maintain a more even carbon storage

– show lower soil carbon losses during harvesting

– maintain higher humidity levels.”

• “However, the evidence that they will deliver these benefits needs strengthening.”

• “The silvicultural system per se is however, less important than the structures that it creates and their resilience and robustness in relation to climate change.”

Key components of Continuous Cover Forestry

• “...the use of silvicultural systems whereby the forest canopy is maintained at one or more levels without clear felling.”

Mason et al. 1999

It has 4 main guiding principles:

1. Managing the forest ecosystem

2. Using natural processes

3. Working within site limitations

4. Diversifying stand structure

Prime movers: ProSilva Europe (1989) and CCFG (1991)

Mark Louden Anderson MC MA DSc FRSE (1895-1961)

Professor of Forestry (1951-1961)

The University of Edinburgh Ima

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Key papers: • Anderson, M. L. 1951. Spaced group planting and irregularity of stand structure. Empire Forestry

Review 30: 328-341 • Anderson, M.L. 1953. Plea for the adoption of the standing control or check in woodland

management. Scottish Forestry 7: 38-47 • Anderson, M.L. 1960. Norway spruce-silver fir-beech mixed selection forest. Is it possible to

reproduce this in Scotland? Scottish Forestry 14: 87–93

Ahead of his time! The iconic forward thinker ...

Are there any precedents?

Block Area (ha) A 16.6 B 19.8 C 21.3 D 15.0 E 19.8 F 21.5

Total 117.0

.

N

500 m

500 m

350 m

240 m

560 m

C

B

F

E

D

Glentress Trial Area Glentress Forest

Peebles, Scotland

Road

A

0

50

100

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300

350

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Ste

ms/h

a

Diameter Class (cm)

1952

1980

1991

Source: Glentress Trial, 1991 Inventory

Monitoring the transformation: Size/Frequency Distribution for Block A in 1952, 1980 and 1991

Towards a balanced irregular structure

Group selection Glentress Forest

1996 Photo: E. R. Wilson

Group selection Glentress Forest 2004 Photo: E. R. Wilson

Multi-purpose forestry Glentress Forest

2012 Photo: E. R. Wilson

CCF - Coming in from the Fringe

• Cyril Hart (1995)

• Demonstrated tradition of alternative silvicultural systems

• Wide range of systems applied and developed using a broad range of species

• Strong influence from Europe

• Update Review: Scott McG Wilson (2013)

*Whinlatter Forest

Thirlmere Forest

*Clocaenog Forest

Glentress Forest*

Wykeham Forest*

Stourhead (Western) Estate

Craigvinean Forest*

Aconbury Woods

*Coed Trallwm

Drumlanrig Forest

Selected

Continuous Cover Forests in Britain

This map identifies a selection of woodlands where CCF is an

important component of management.

Legend : Green = Forestry Commission

Blue = private ownership * = GB CCF Trial Area

Graphic created by CCFG. Forest cover map: Crown Copyright © 2008 Forest Research. Reproduced with permission.

Morangie Forest*

*Achray Forest

*Inshriach Forest

*Cym Berwyn Forest

*Dartmoor Forest

final harvest and

regeneration

young growth stage

H<1.3m

pole stage

DBH>10cm DBH<20cm

small timber stage

DBH>20cm DBH<35cm

medium timber stage

DBH>35cm DBH<50cm DBH>50cm

large timber

stage thinning

thicket stage

H>1.3m DBH<10cm

respacing

fallow stage restocking

final harvest

beat up, tending

In order to transform a planted forest we have to:

develop adequate tree stability [“Frame Trees” – esp. Important in uplands]

promote the best trees as likely source for Natural Regeneration [NR]

get the species composition right [evidence supports more mixed-species]

create optimal conditions for NR [ground vegetation, seedbed, browse control]

Stand development and transformation

Adapted from diagram by Jens Haufe

Modified thinning in Douglas fir: starting the transformation early

is key to future stand stability

Wythop Wood, Cumbria Photo: Gareth Browning

Frame tree and natural regeneration Douglas fir stand, Wythop Wood, Cumbria

Photo: Gareth Browning

Light demand of conifer seedlings

Species Overstorey BA for

seedling establishment [m2/ha]

Overstorey BA for seedling growth

[m2/ha]

Shade tolerance of seedlings

JL/EL 20-25 15-20 Intolerant SP/LP/CP 25-30 20-25

SS 30-35 25-30 Intermediate DF 35-40 30-35

NS 40-45 35-40

Tolerant WH

leader/lateral shoot ratio > 1

Management of Seedling Establishment and Growth

Note: Light demand for seedling establishment may be considerably lower than for seedling growth.

management of light level is important

(Source: Forestry Commission Operational Guidance OGB 7)

Single tree selection in Douglas fir Mixed-species regeneration Photo: E. R. Wilson

Oak shelterwood Sharon Rodhouse 2007

Scots pine shelterwood Loch Vaa, Boat of Garten

Photo: E. R. Wilson

Scots pine shelterwood Loch Vaa, Boat of Garten

19 April 2010 Photo: E. R. Wilson

Environmental Benefits of Forests: Continuous Cover Forestry in a sensitive watershed, Thirlmere Reservoir

37 Photo: E.R. Wilson 2010

Thirlmere, Cumbria

Photo: © United Utilities plc

Thirlmere Forest Management Plan 2008

Source: Wilson and Leslie 2009

Extraction on sensitive sites Photo: Rob Grange

Advanced monitoring systems

• AFI – founded 1991 • Developed advanced monitoring protocols • Now over 100 reference forests, with several

in the UK and Ireland • Forest productivity and ecosystem evaluation

Source: Gareth Browning

Monitoring Systems to Support CCF Management

Example from Wythop

Forest, Cumbria with data on sapling distribution.

Potential Environmental Benefits of CCF for Soils and Water Resources (Ireland et al. 2006)

• Reduced risk of reductions in soil fertility on site

• Maintain soil organic matter within forest stands

• Potential to reduce and minimise soil acidification

• Reduced and mitigated soil disturbance (although stand interventions and operations are likely to be more frequent than in Clear-fell system)

• Greater control over risks of soil erosion and compaction

• Reduced risk of soil contamination and pollution

• Enhanced resilience of multi-species and multi-aged stands in response to threats from pests and diseases, and windstorms

Potential Benefits of CCF on Upland Forest Sites (Reynolds 2004)

• Move away from clear-fell likely to have benefits in terms of reduced nitrate leaching and reduced stream acidification

• Partial harvest encourages retention of nitrate capacity within the soil-plant system

• CCF likely to encourage retention of base cations within soil-plant system, and likely to minimise long-term soil and stream water acidification associated with soil base cation depletion

• If CCF results in smaller proportion of mature Sitka spruce forest, this will reduce nitrate leaching on well-drained acid soils

• Mixed species woodland ecosystems with greater potential to retain nitrogen deposited from the atmosphere should be beneficial on acid sensitive sites

Clocaenog Forest, North Wales CCF Research and Operational Trial in Spruce-dominated upland forest

Photo: E. R. Wilson

Continuous Cover Forestry Group Field Meeting September 2013

Corrour Forest, Scotland Part of the trial network established by M. L. Anderson, 1952 Photo: E. R. Wilson

Dodd Wood, Cumbria Opportunities for catchment studies with CCF? Photo: E. R. Wilson

Conclusions

• Silviculture in Britain exists within a complex historical, economic, ecological and cultural context

• We are currently challenged to find new approaches that ensure the resilience and sustainability of our woodland resources

• Transformation of our forests to more diverse and complex structures (i.e., CCF) is a key strategic challenge, presenting foresters with new opportunities to deliver ecosystem services into the future, including high quality water resources

• There are now well-established management systems for CCF, but evidence for the wider benefits/practice of CCF needs strengthening, especially with respect to water catchments and aquatic ecosystems

Forestry Commission Guidance (Selection of Publications)

• FC: OGB 7 - Managing Continuous Cover Forests (site selection/respacing and thinning/FD planning/production forecast/monitoring)

• FC: OGB 9 - Thinning (Silvicultural Guide) (thinning/stability)

• FCIN 29 What is Continuous Cover Forestry?

• B. Mason, G. Kerr, J. Simpson, 1999

• FCIN 40 Transforming Even-aged Conifer Stands to Continuous Cover Management

• B. Mason, G. Kerr, 2004

• FCIN 45 Monitoring the Transformation of Even-aged Stands to Continuous Cover Management

• G. Kerr, B. Mason, R. Boswell, A. Pommerening, 2002

• FCIN 63 Managing Light to Enable Natural Regeneration in British Conifer Forests

• S. Hale, 2004

Selected references (1)

• Anderson, M. L. 1951. Spaced group planting and irregularity of stand structure. Empire Forestry Review 30: 328-341

• Anderson, M.L. 1953. Plea for the adoption of the standing control or check in woodland management. Scottish Forestry 7(2): 38-47

• Anderson, M.L. 1960. Norway spruce-silver fir-beech mixed selection forest. Is it possible to reproduce this in Scotland? Scot. For. 14: 87–93.

• Cameron, A.D. 2002. Importance of early selective thinning in the development of long-term stability and improved log quality: a review. Forestry 75(1): 35-36

• Cameron, A.D. 2007. Determining the sustainable normal irregular condition: A provisional study on a transformed, irregular mixed species stand in Scotland. Scand. J. For. Res. 22: 13-21

• Helliwell, R., and E. Wilson. 2012. Continuous cover forestry in Britain: challenges and opportunities. Quarterly Journal of Forestry

• Ireland, D., T. R. Nisbet and S. Broadmeadow. 2006. Environmental best practice for continuous cover forestry. Environment Agency Science Report SC020051/SR. 78 pp.

• Kerr, G. 1999. The use of silvicultural systems to enhance the biological diversity of plantation forests in Britain. Forestry 72:191–205.

• Macdonald, E., B. Gardiner and W. Mason. 2010. The effects of transformation of even-aged stands to continuous cover forestry on conifer log quality and wood properties in the UK. Forestry 83: 1-16

• Malcolm, D.C., Mason, W.L., and Clarke, G.C. 2001. The transformation of conifer forests in Great Britain – regeneration, gap size, and silvicultural systems. For. Ecol. Manage. 151: 7–23

• O’Hara, K. 2014. Multiaged silviculture: managing for complex forest stand structures. OUP, Oxford. 240 pp.

Selected references (2)

• Mason, W.L. 2002. Are irregular stands more windfirm? Forestry 75: 347–356.

• Mason, W.L., G. Kerr and J.M.S. Simpson. 1999. What Is Continuous Cover Forestry? Forestry Commission Information Note 29. Edinburgh: Forestry Commission.

• Mason, W.L. 2003. Continuous Cover Forestry: developing close-to-nature forest management in conifer plantations in upland Britain. Scot. For. 57: 141–149.

• Nicoll, B.C., B.A. Gardiner and A.J. Peace. 2008. Improvements in anchorage provided by the acclimation of forest trees to wind stress. Forestry 81: 389-398.

• Oliver, C.D., and B.C. Larson. 1996. Forest Stand Dynamics. Update edition. Wiley, New York, 520 pp.

• Page, L. M., and A. D. Cameron. 2006. Regeneration dynamics of Sitka spruce in artificially created forest gaps. Forest Ecology and Management 221: 260-266

• Peterken, G. F. 1996. Natural Woodland. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 522 pp.

• Reynolds, B. 2004. Continuous cover forestry: possible implications for surface water acidification in the UK uplands. Hydrology and Earct System Sciences Discuss. 8(3): 306-313

• Read, D.J., P.H. Freer-Smith, J.I.L. Morison, N. Hanley, C.C. West and P. Snowdon (eds). 2009. Combating climate change – a role for UK forests. An assessment of the potential of the UK’s trees and woodlands to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The Stationery Office, Edinburgh. 240 pp.

• Wilson, E.R., H. Whitney McIver and D.C. Malcolm. 1999. Transformation to an irregular structure of an upland conifer forest. For. Chron. 75: 407–412

• Wilson, S. McG. 2013. Progress of adoption of alternative silvicultural systems in Britain: an independent review. Technical Report (March 2013). 49 pp.

Further Information

Contact for further information:

• Edward (Ted) Wilson

– Email: ted.wilson@silviculture.org.uk

– Website: www.silviculture.org.uk

• Phil Morgan

– Email: phil@selectfor.com

– Website: www.selectfor.com

Acknowledgements

• We would like to thank the following colleagues for data and slides that appear in this presentation: Gareth Browning, Bill Mason, John Weir, Mark Broadmeadow, Paul Clavey, Jens Haufe, Barnaby Wylder, Rob Grange.

Forestry and Fisheries – Where Next?

Continuous Cover Forestry:

an alternative model for the sustainable management

of woodlands and watersheds in Britain

Edward Wilson1 and Philippe Morgan2

1 Director, Silviculture Research International and Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto 2 Director, SelectFor Ltd and President, Pro Silva

Institute of Fisheries Management Specialist Conference

Rheged, Penrith, Cumbria

21-23 April 2015

First presented: 21 04 2015

This version (1.1): 02 05 2015

RESEARCH

I N T E R N A T I O N A L