A few of us have been trying to warn about this for a while, and have been scoffed at by foresters and conservationists. It's a real issue, and denying or dismissing it helps no one.
This is one reason why we should apply @SteveCJjones's hierarchical approach to woodland creation:
1. Natural regeneration wherever possible.
2. If it's not possible, assisted regeneration (clearing competing vegetation).
3. Only if 1 and 2 won't work, tree planting.
1. Natural regeneration wherever possible.
2. If it's not possible, assisted regeneration (clearing competing vegetation).
3. Only if 1 and 2 won't work, tree planting.
@SteveCJjones The rationale is explained here, clearly and simply, by @SteveCJjones: naturalareasblog.wordpress.com/2018/12/28/tre…
@SteveCJjones I'm often told that tree planting (as opposed to natural regeneration) engages people: it allows us to feel we are making a difference. I understand that. But there are many ways of engaging people. One of them is collecting old tree guards from unnecessary plantings!
