Woodlands Need Good Management

Managing Woods and Producing Wood Fuel Would Increase the Biodiversity of Plants and Animals.

Conservationists have said that if more of the UK's woodland were to be used to produce wood fuel then many declining species of flower would be revived. One in six woodland flowers species risks extinction because woods are under-managed, thereby increasing deer populations and releasing too many nutrients in the environment. Coppicing regimes would increase biodiversity and light penetration. In the 1950s, about half the UK's woodlands were coppiced or scrub, but by 2010, 97% were tall trees, which cut out the light essential to wildlife.

If we can turn this trend around, local consumers would benefit from the wood fuel which would generate a source of low carbon energy. With an economic incentive for wood fuel production woodland management would improve. The wood fuel can be used for biomass boilers (biomassenergycentre.org.uk) or simply provide logs for the domestic wood burner.

There are other useful products from well managed woodland.  The vegetable growers amongst us would benefit from hazel and pea sticks. These make wonderful supports for beans and even small pumpkins without the need to use imported bamboo canes (and are generally cheaper!)

Woodland Owners: Advice is available from Woodfuel East www.woodfueleast.org.uk There are grants available to help you.

Take a look at The Woodland Trust website Woodlandtrust.org.uk. They are offering free tree packs to schools, youth groups or communities.