How will climate change affect England’s trees and woodlands? What measures can be taken to minimize risks and ensure the protection of woodlands for future generations? How to cope with simultaneous threats such as tree pests and diseases?
Based on the UK Forestry Standard’s governmental approach for sustainable forest management, the Forestry Commission published a practical guide “Managing England’s woodlands in a climate emergency”.
A key factor covered in the publication is the management of climate change risk as a critical part of woodlands management. Mitigation of climate change risks is crucial to ensure adaptation without loss of the ecosystem services that woodlands provide.
Furthermore, there has been a significant increase in the number of pests and diseases damaging trees, which compounds to the challenges of adapting woodlands to a changing climate.
In addition to expanding on the likely impacts of climate change on England’s trees and woodlands, advice and guidelines on the following topics are covered:
- Principles for adapting England’s woodlands
- Managing adaptation of England’s woodlands
- Managing adaptation: native and ancient woodland
- Reducing risk through diversification
The publication acknowledges the urge to take action and the need to make significant changes to widely accepted and practised forest management in England.
To read the full publication click here.
Featured image: Sonnenlicht/Herbst by Tim Hill via Pixabay