Species diversity suite

Climate change resources for field officers December 2013

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UK Forestry Standard

• Forest planningForest design, structure and composition needs to be resilient to the effects of a changing climate and extreme weather events.

• Adaptive managementApproaches to management that are flexible, reactive and anticipatory will help forests and woodlands adapt to the changing climate.

• Tree and shrub species selection Introducing diversity in tree species and origins will ensure some thrive should others decline.

• Landscape EcologyWoodland and trees can be used to develop ecological connectivity between habitats to enhance the ability of woodland ecological communities to adapt to climate change.

• Environmental protectionWoodland and trees that are appropriately located can help to alleviate the impacts of climate change on society and the environment.

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Why species diversification

Conifer Species Today

Scots Pine

Corsican Pine

Sitka Spruce

Douglas Fir

Larch (EL, HL, J L)

Other Conifer

Five conifer species account for 88% of the total

Make up of England’s conifer coverage today

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Why species diversification

Five broadleaved species account for over 72% of the total

Make up of England’s broadleaf coverage today

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Why species diversification

Chalara on Ash

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Why species diversification

10 tree species account for 80% of our woodland

By the 2080s, 65% of the PFE could be classed as ‘unsuitable’ in the absence of adaptation

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Guidance

Forestry Commission England’s climate change: www.forestry.gov.uk/climatechangeengland

Forest Research’s climate change: www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/climatechange

Managing ancient and native woodland practice guide

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Guidance on adapting species choice

Ecological Site Classification (ESC) - www.eforestry.gov.uk/forestdss

• ESC is a knowledge-based model; productivity distribution data are used to inform decisions;

• ESC was developed to support the UK forestry industry in commercial species selection;

• Rising CO2 levels are not accounted for.

• Detailed species information, including provenance guidance,

provided

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SilviFuture

SilviFuture

•Evidence of how trees look in forest environment

• Any one can input their stand of trees, not individual specimens

• FR, FCE, FCS input some data so far

• Focus on mature trees but encourage input of new plantings

• Input site data

• Links to FR species pages, ESC 3 and FCE web

• Will be developed to act as discussion media

• Developed through FCE funding

• Seeking future finance for maintenance

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Woodlands for Climate Change Award

Woodlands for Climate Change Award

•New or restocking with primary purpose of timer production

• Anticipatory adaptation, not risk averse, working towards 2050 high scenario

• Description of how and why, 500 words max

• Minimum of 5 hectares but can comprise of smaller parcels

• Planted during past 5 years

• UKFS, FR advice and FCE advice evidence

• Entries by end of March 2014

• Climate Ready has put up the cash