Most of our broadleaved woodland comprises native species, native species planted outside of their natural range, or species adopted from the near continent, such as sweet chestnut and sycamore. Most of these species occupy a wide climatic range across Europe, so we can plan to use origins that may be better adapted to the climate of the future.
Our broadleaved woodlands are likely to be resilient in all regions other than the south and east, where some sites on free-draining soils are expected to suffer from summer drought.
The potential for improved productivity from oak and beech in the north and west may offer opportunities for the greater use of broadleaves as a commercial crop.
The long length of rotations reduces the crops’ ability to adapt naturally. It will be important to intervene frequently to promote adaptation through planting or to encourage natural regeneration and evolutionary adaptation
The creation of new broadleaf woodlands offers an ideal opportunity to plant native species to England but from southerly origins, or to plant native species in areas to the north of their historical origin. Seed should ideally be sourced from stands of high or improved quality.