Examples of building forest resilience

Site description

Large scale upland forest, predominantly Sitka spruce with small elements of riparian broadleaves and minimal open space, surrounded by other forests also dominated by Sitka spruce. Some poor growth on peat soils and upper margins.

Owners objectives

Timber production

Main risks and potential resilience measures

Pests and diseases 

These are high impact due to single species, limited age profile and clearfell / restock system:

• consider what access requirements and facilities might be required to handle salvage felling all mature spruce over a short period of time
• diversify species, origin and provenance at restocking to spread risk
• consider alternative silvicultural systems to reduce build-up of weevil species

Wind blow

• use ForestGALES to identify high risk stands and prioritise them for felling, fell into the prevailing wind

  ForestGALES (Forest Research website)

• design restocking coupes to reduce future risk (size, shape and species mix)
• adapt thinning prescriptions in relation to wind risk to improve stability whilst maintaining productivity and form
• identify sheltered areas, where a range of species can be managed under continuous cover systems which:
  • reduces risk
  • provides seed sources for advanced regeneration
  • assists site recovery

Fire

• assess risk and select measures using:

  • the UKFS practice guide Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

    Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

  • our Wildfire Information Note 

    Forest planning to minimise wildfire risk in Scotland

• create and maintain adequate access to meet and assemble and to get fire-fighting kit to all compartments (prioritise highest risk compartments)
• ensure there is sufficient access to water (particularly in high risk periods)

Landslip, flooding and polluting run-off from harvesting and/or restock sites (due to high intensity rainfall and steep slopes)

• take into account the likely increase in intense rainfall when designing:
  • bridges and crossings
  • culverts
  • drains
  • silt traps
• plan to avoid or minimise any impacts on:
  • downstream supplies
  • infrastructure
  • communities
  • priority habitats (i.e. salmon spawning areas)
• use the appropriate harvesting method for the site 
• suspend operations when extreme weather is forecast and experienced, do not resume work until the risk has reduced to an acceptable level
• create and establish adequate buffer zones - for high risk areas these may need to be bigger than the UKFS minimum widths 

Site description

A large forest of predominantly Sitka spruce, with a range of other conifer species that were well selected for the site at the time of planting. 

Pockets of broadleaves have been established through restructuring. 

Significant areas of Lodgepole pine have been felled for Dothistroma, most of the ash planted at restructuring is infected with Chalara. 

The standing conifer crops are approaching or beyond economic felling age.

Owners objectives

Maintain the balance between timber, landscape, recreation and biodiversity values.

Main risks and potential resilience measures

Wind blow

• use ForestGales to identify high risk stands and prioritise them for felling, fell into the prevailing wind

  ForestGALES (Forest Research website)

• design restocking coupes to reduce future risk (size, shape and species mix)
• adapt thinning prescriptions in relation to wind risk to improve stability whilst maintaining productivity and form.
• identify sheltered areas, where a range of species can be managed under continuous cover systems – reducing risk and providing seed sources for advanced regeneration and to assist site recovery 
• if using CCF, consider using target diameter selection to manage the crop size down for species that loose significant value if over-sized.
• clear up blown timber as quickly as possible to avoid timber deterioration and reduce additional risks of pests and diseases and fire (remember, windblow clearance requires felling permission)

Drought

• identify vulnerable sites (consider existing crops with drought cracked timber, susceptible species and soils and southerly aspects)
• when restocking productive areas, select species with greater drought tolerance than sitka, that maintain productivity and produce quality timber
• match species and origin / provenance to the site
• ensure diversity of genetic material
• where possible, establish the next crop under canopy cover - use natural regeneration when parent trees are suitable for the site and climate, of good health, vigour, quality and stability and are producing viable seed, if not, underplant with shade tolerant species 
• when planting / restocking, use plug plants and plant in months with higher rainfall / less risk of drought

Fire

• assess risk and select measures using:

  • the UKFS practice guide Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

    Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

  • our Wildfire Information Note 

    Forest planning to minimise wildfire risk in Scotland

• create and maintain adequate access to meet and assemble and to get fire-fighting kit to all compartments (prioritise highest risk compartments)
• ensure there is sufficient access to water (particularly in high risk periods)
• use signage to communicate the current fire risk and what to do if there is a fire
• consider providing safe facilities for barbecues and fires and rubbish disposal

Pests and diseases

• consider what access requirements and facilities might be required to handle salvage felling the all mature timber of the dominant species on site, over a short period of time 
• diversify species, origin and provenance at restocking to spread risk
• consider alternative silvicultural systems to reduce build-up of weevil species
• provide biosecurity signage and provision at recreation sites 
   

Site description

A large area of well-structured pine plantation (including Scots, Lodgepole and Corsican) on a dry site in the east of Scotland. Lodgepole pine has been mostly removed due to Dothistroma needle blight (DNB), which is present in varying degrees, in all other pine crops.

Owners objectives

Timber production and recreation provision.

Main threats and potential resilience measures

Pests and diseases

• thin regularly and respace young pine crops for air flow
• remove the worst infected crops as early as possible
• diversify species, origin and provenance at restocking to spread risk
• manage for natural regeneration of Scots pine from stands where quality, health and vigour are good
• encourage other species to establish under pine crops and on clearfells, particularly productive broadleaves like birch and aspen
• limit shade tolerant species where pinewood ground flora is in good condition, to avoid loss of habitat. Allow shade tolerant species to establish where ground flora quality is low
• provide biosecurity signage and provision at recreation sites

Drought

• where possible, establish the next crop under canopy cover - use natural regeneration when the parent crop is suitable for the site and climate, of good health, vigour, quality and stability and is producing viable seed, if not, underplant
• diversify species, origin and provenance, select for drought tolerance and productivity
• when planting / restocking, use plug plants and plant in months with higher rainfall / less risk of drought
• bigger trees are likely to suffer more, so select less drought prone areas for long term retentions

Fire

• assess risk and select measures using:

  • the UKFS practice guide Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

    Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

  • our Wildfire Information Note 

    Forest planning to minimise wildfire risk in Scotland

• create and maintain adequate access to meet and assemble and to get fire-fighting kit to all compartments (prioritise highest risk compartments)
• ensure there is sufficient access to water (particularly in high risk periods)
• use signage to communicate the current fire risk and what to do if there is a fire
• consider providing safe facilities for barbeques and fires and rubbish disposal

Windblow

• clear up blown timber as quickly as possible to avoid timber deterioration and reduce additional risks of pests and diseases and fire (remember, windblow clearance requires felling permission)
   

Site description

A series of small- to medium-sized native woodlands including some gorge woodlands, separated by grazed land. Composed of native species with rich bryophyte interest, but with browsing pressure and some rhododendron invasion.

Owners objectives

Improve habitat condition and biodiversity interest.

Manage for timber, if possible.

Main threats and potential resilience measures

Pests and Diseases

• loss of ash as a keystone species

  refer to:

  • Scottish Forestry guidance on The management of woodlands affected by ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) in Scotland 

    The management of woodlands affected by ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) in Scotland

  • Forest Research’s note on Ecological impacts of ash dieback and mitigation methods for the management and replacement of ash

    Ecological impacts of ash dieback and mitigation methods (Forest Research website)

Habitat fragmentation

• enlarge and connect the woodlands to create larger woodland blocks that are less vulnerable to the changing climate
  • use natural regeneration where possible

  • or refer to our guidance on Seed Sources for Planting Native Trees and Shrubs in Scotland to find appropriate planting material

    Seed sources for native trees and shrubs
     

Site description

A large native pinewood providing a home to iconic forest species such as capercaillie and red squirrel. Ancient ‘granny’ pines make a disproportionate contribution to the biodiversity and aesthetic value of the site. Some areas planted at timber-producing density with Scots and other pine are now reaching a harvestable size.

Owners objectives

Timber production and conservation

Main threats and potential resilience measures

Pests and diseases

• target non-native pines for early removal to limit build-up of Dothistroma
• regularly thin for air flow and stability, including respacing of thicket stage pine
• protect granny pines and mark and protect potential replacements during forest operations
• manage for natural regeneration from Scots pine and native broadleaved stands
• consider seed collection (particularly from granny pines) and growing young plants in locality

• if natural regeneration fails to establish follow SF guidance on Planting in Caledonian pinewoods: reducing the risks from Dothistroma Needle Blight

  Planting Caledonian Pinewoods: Reducing Risks from Dothistroma Needle Blight

• limit the establishment of non-native shade tolerant conifers

Wind blow

• develop thinning prescriptions that include consideration for building stability 
• clear up blown timber as quickly as possible to avoid timber deterioration and reduce additional risks of pests and diseases and fire (remember, windblow clearance requires felling permission)

Fire

• assess risk and select measures using:

  • the UKFS practice guide Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

    Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

  • our Wildfire Information Note 

    Forest planning to minimise wildfire risk in Scotland

• create and maintain adequate access to meet and assemble and to get fire-fighting kit to all compartments (prioritise highest risk compartments)
• ensure there is sufficient access to water (particularly in high risk periods)
• use signage to communicate current fire risk and what to do if there is a fire
• consider providing safe facilities for barbeques and fires and rubbish disposal
   

Site description

A proposal to create a large new woodland on a predominantly upland site. The main aim is to create a woodland with the potential for future timber production and Sitka spruce is the manager’s default choice of species.

Main climate change threats

Current and future climate suitability

• use Forest Research’s (FR) Decision Support Systems to select a range of suitable species matched to:

  • the local climate
  • topography
  • soil types present (Ecological Site Classification (ESC), Forest Yield, Climate Match, Climate Risk Indicators)

  Decision support tools (Forest Research website)

Pests and diseases

• consider planting in mixtures using FR’s Forest Development Types and establishing robust species mixtures

  Establishing robust species mixtures (Forest Research website)

• visit the nursery to see the planting stock and only buy plants from responsible trusted nurseries
• ensure genetic variation within species planted
• provide protection and undertake appropriate species specific maintenance to aid successful establishment and limit stress
• develop a long-term forest structure of linked permanent habitats, such as riparian woodland, open space and mature broadleaves to promote biodiversity and provide crop breaks

Extreme weather during establishment operations

• refer to SF’s Cultivation guidance to select the appropriate techniques for the soil and slope and to establish a wind stable crop

  Cultivation for Upland Productive Woodland Creation Sites - Applicant's Guidance

• create and manage adequate buffer zones - for high risk areas these may need to be bigger than the UKFS minimum widths 
• take into account the likely increase in intense rainfall when designing bridges and crossings, culverts, drains and silt traps and 
• plan to avoid or minimise any impacts on downstream supplies, infrastructure, communities and priority habitats (ie salmon spawning areas)
• suspend operations when extreme weather is forecast and experienced, do not resume work until the risk has reduced to an acceptable level
• prepare a secure, cool, covered plant store

Drought

• diversify species, origin and provenance, select for drought tolerance and productivity, don’t forget other expected climate change related issues
• consider the use of plug plants and plant in months with higher rainfall / less risk of drought

Windblow

• design compartments to reduce risk using FR’s ForestGales - consider size, shape, edge structure and species choice and mixture

Fire

• assess risk and select measures using:

  • the UKFS practice guide Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

    Building Wildfire Resilience into Forest Management Planning

  • our Wildfire Information Note 

    Forest planning to minimise wildfire risk in Scotland

• consider vegetation management in newly planted areas to keep fuel loads low
• create and maintain adequate access to meet and assemble and to get fire-fighting kit to all compartments (prioritise highest risk compartments)
• ensure there is sufficient access to water (particularly in high risk periods)