Woodland thinning.

[coppice cutter]

All the thinning I've done up until now have been relatively easy regarding decision making as I thinned out bad leaners, self-seeded amongst the planted trees, etc.

 

But from now on I'm going to have to decide what goes and what stays on a more pragmatic basis and I'd like to try to educate myself a bit more on the subject and the principles behind it beyond competition for light and nutrients.

 

Can anyone recommend any good books on the subject?

 

Thanks.

 

Edited January 20, 2023 by coppice cutter

[Stere]

This FC pdf booklet is good:

 

https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2011/01/silviculture_thinning_guide_v1_jan2011.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

If you want CCF might best  to leave some self seeders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 21, 2023 by Stere

[GarethM]

It all depends on what you want to achieve in the end, if it's native and natural leave thinning decisions til summer.

 

Focus on thinning canopy cover and keeping the undergrowth clear, especially for access and keeping a clear line of sight for squirrel control etc.

 

Whilst it looks barren in winter in July it's like a blackout.

[coppice cutter]

There's a few things that have got out-competed but still young enough to be transplantable singly to other places on the farm. I mark them with tape through the summer and when winter comes you look at them and would never imagine they had any reason to struggle.

 

The difference between winter and summer in a broadleaved woodland never ceases to amaze me.

 

[coppice cutter]

2 hours ago, Stere said:

This FC pdf booklet is good:

 

https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2011/01/silviculture_thinning_guide_v1_jan2011.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

If you want CCF might best best to leave some self seeders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just had a quick look and for a government publication it looks remarkably decent.

 

Was initially going to print it off, but that wouldn't really be very tree friendly would it.!

[GarethM]

Having native bluebells in your woodlands certainly helps to focus the mind on clearing the overgrowth and things like horrible holly trees.

 

The more you clear the greater the carpet of bluebells, it's become something of a tradition of posting my once a year Facebook post with a picture.

[Paul in the woods]

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with bluebells. On the newly planted woodland they are slowly appearing and it's good to see the wood gradually becoming more diverse. On the ancient woodland I have they are so invasive that little else seems to grow and they also spread into the fields.