Edinburgh Forests and Landscapes Network: Can natural processes help to scale-up woodland creation?

November's Edinburgh Forests and Landscapes Network monthly networking event, hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscapes, University of Edinburgh.

Abstract

Active tree planting has been the primary method of woodland creation in the UK, but there is growing interest in using more passive natural processes to create and restore forests. Possible benefits include lower costs, greater effectiveness in terms of tree suitability and establishment and higher habitat heterogeneity.

However, outcomes are highly variable and there is uncertainty around the timeframe and trajectory of woodland development. Consequently, land managers differ in their perspective and willingness to adopt natural processes for woodland expansion and there is a need to better share existing knowledge and experience. 

The Network present insights from recent ecological research in 28 sites in England, social science to understand land manager perception through a nation-survey (n=542) and follow-up interviews (n=40), and a sustained collaboration with 20 land managers who have used natural processes to establish woodland.

Speakers:

• Dr Elisa Fuentes-Montemayor, University of Stirling
• Dr Bianca Amborse-Oji, Forest Research
• Rachel Orchard, Forest Research
• Dr Laura Braunholtz, University of Stirling
• Dr Susannah Fleiss, University of Edinburgh