This document provides guidance for forest officers on species diversification and climate change adaptation. It notes that 10 tree species account for 80% of woodland coverage, and by 2080s 65% of forests may be unsuitable without adaptation. It recommends diversifying tree species and origins to increase resilience, as well as using landscape ecology and appropriate tree placement to help habitats adapt. It provides links to resources on ecological site classification, climate-ready species selection, and an award for new woodlands designed for climate change adaptation.

1. Species diversity suite
Climate change resources for field officers
December 2013

2. UK Forestry Standard
•
Forest planning
Forest design, structure and composition needs to be
resilient to the effects of a changing climate and extreme
weather events.
•
Adaptive management
Approaches to management that are flexible, reactive
and anticipatory will help forests and woodlands adapt to
the changing climate.
•
Tree and shrub species selection
Introducing diversity in tree species and origins will
ensure some thrive should others decline.
•
Landscape Ecology
Woodland and trees can be used to develop ecological
connectivity between habitats to enhance the ability of
woodland ecological communities to adapt to climate
change.
•
Environmental protection
Woodland and trees that are appropriately located can
help to alleviate the impacts of climate change on society
and the environment.

3. Why species diversification
Make up of England’s conifer coverage today
Conifer Species Today
Scots Pine
Corsic an Pine
Sitka Spruc e
Douglas Fir
Larch (EL, HL, JL)
Other Conifer
Five conifer species account for 88% of the total

4. Why species diversification
Make up of England’s broadleaf coverage today
Five broadleaved species account for over 72% of the total

5. Why species diversification
Chalara on Ash

6. Why species diversification
10 tree species account for 80% of our
woodland
By the 2080s, 65% of the PFE could be classed
as ‘unsuitable’ in the absence of adaptation

7. Guidance
Forestry Commission England’s climate change: www.forestry.gov.uk/climatechangeengland
Forest Research’s climate change: www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/climatechange
Managing ancient and native woodland practice guide

8. Guidance on adapting species choice
Ecological Site Classification
(ESC) www.eforestry.gov.uk/forestdss
• ESC is a knowledge-based model;
productivity distribution data are used
to inform decisions;
• ESC was developed to support the
UK forestry industry in commercial
species selection;
• Rising CO2 levels are not accounted
for.
• Detailed species information,
including provenance guidance,
provided

9. SilviFuture
SilviFuture
•Evidence of how trees look in
forest environment
• Any one can input their stand of
trees, not individual specimens
• FR, FCE, FCS input some data so
far
• Focus on mature trees but
encourage input of new plantings
• Input site data
• Links to FR species pages, ESC 3
and FCE web
• Will be developed to act as
discussion media
• Developed through FCE funding
• Seeking future finance for
maintenance

10. Woodlands for Climate Change Award
Woodlands for Climate
Change Award
•New or restocking with
primary purpose of timer
production
• Anticipatory adaptation, not
risk averse, working towards
2050 high scenario
• Description of how and why,
500 words max
• Minimum of 5 hectares but
can comprise of smaller parcels
• Planted during past 5 years
• UKFS, FR advice and FCE
advice evidence
• Entries by end of March 2014
• Climate Ready has put up the
cash