Natural regeneration

The process can be outlined as follows:

• trees are old enough to produce seed
• seed falls where there are suitable growing conditions
• seeds will germinate and grow into young trees
• some of these trees will form the next generation – parent trees that produce seed

The wood or forest can therefore ‘naturally regenerate’ itself.

Natural regeneration can:

• establish new woodland areas near to existing trees or forests

• be used to restructure an existing woodland

Restructuring is the process of changing the age and species within a forest, through felling and establishing new trees.

The UK Forestry Standard highlights natural regeneration's importance in forestry.

Natural regeneration is a useful tool to help our forests adapt to climate change. Regenerating young trees adapted to the local site and climate means as the climate changes, the trees that are adapted survive and grow the best.

Natural regeneration is useful in conserving the distinctive genetics of our native semi-natural woodlands.

To encourage natural regeneration you may need to create the right site conditions. 

This is so that the seed can germinate, and seedlings can establish. The first things you should do are:

• carry out a survey to see if you have a viable seed source
• complete a survey of any birds and animals might eat the seed or the young trees (which might stop the seedlings establishing)

You should consider management actions to aid establishment and crop development. For example:

• removing some of the overstory to create the correct light conditions for the trees you want to regenerate
• ground disturbance or removing ground vegetation (to aid seed germination in the soil)
• weeding (the removal of competing plants and vegetation)
• respacing (thinning out the number of trees present to allow better growth)
• protecting the trees from herbivores

The Forest Research Climate Change Hub provides lots of useful information using Natural Regeneration and how it can be used to reduce the impact on climate change. 

You should always check first. 

If you are changing the land use to a woodland, you may need a Forestry Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion. 

Use our EIA page to see if your project requires a screening opinion. 

Visit our Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) Woodland Improvement Grant for natural regeneration funding options.

New woodlands established by natural regeneration through our Forestry Grant Scheme:

• must achieve a minimum stocking density of 400 trees per hectare, by year five

• should be distributed over the site in such a way that it will provide:

  • a minimum of 20 percent canopy cover over at least 80 percent of the area

  • with up to 20 percent designed open ground

Forests being established without applying for funding would need to meet the definition of a forest within the UKFS to be considered a woodland. 

For a site that is being restocked:

• the minimum density may be specific to the site

• this would ordinarily be a minimum of 1600 trees per hectare for native trees, and 2500 trees per hectare for a commercial crop by year five. 

The species need to match what is agreed for restocking in the felling permission.

Landowners and managers should a take action when creating and delivering long-term forest plans and woodland creation plans. 

At this point consider mitigation and especially consider recommendations made by ecologists. To help, we recommended you read our guidance around managing invasive and non-native forestry species.

Sometimes native and non-native tree species can regenerate on areas that haven't been planned. Landowners should take special care to manage this within priority habitats.

Managing Invasive and Non-native Forestry Species

The UK Forestry Standard is clear about protecting our ancient and native woodland resource. 

It states that forest managers need to avoid non-native trees being introduced. This is unless they would help maintain or enhance the ecological function of the woodland. Plans should be put in place to develop barriers for non-native dispersal.

Scottish Forestry offers grant aid to assist removal of seedlings on sites where the hydrology of raised bogs or blanket bogs are affected.

Woodland Improvement Grant – Habitats and Species (Rural Payments and Services website)