Developing a Mixed Woodland

This stand started to develop towards a mixed woodland. The majority of Scots Pine was planted in the 1960s. Thinnings have reduced the stocking density of the Scots Pine. Natural regeneration of Silver Birch, Rowan, Beech, and the occasional Oak has established in some of the gaps. But this development isn’t finished. Developing this stand is a work in progress and will take time.

We want to increase the percentage of Oak. Some gaps will be under-planted with Oak. We also want to establish some oak by soil scarification and direct seeding. Direct seeding was the classic method for establishing trees before tree nurseries started trading.

We also want to encourage the natural regeneration of Scot Pine in some places. Scots Pine is a pioneer tree species and needs bare soil for regeneration. Soil scarification in gaps next to seed trees will encourage natural regeneration. The most common method is using horse and (shallow) plough. This method is still used in Europe.