THE Forestry Commission has published a new research report looking into the best options for planting native woodland in England amid climate change.

With rising temperatures and the increasing prevalence of pests and diseases causing considerable uncertainty around which planting stock is best for new woodland establishment in England, it has been argued that seed should be collected from warmer and drier environments than the planting site. 

Looking into this practice of ‘assisted migration’, the report aims to identify factors which may influence the risk, suitability and desirability of the use of local versus non-local seed.

Of relevance to woodland managers, planners, researchers, local authorities, and NGOs, the report provides a review of published results from provenance tests of relevance to English native trees.

To download the report free of charge visit: www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/genetic-considerations-provenance-choice-native-trees-under-climate-change-england/.