The potential benefits

Reductions in the likelihood of flooding

Sequestration of large volumes of carbon

Job opportunities linked to restoration, woodland products and tourism

Habitat creation and biodiversity

Reconnect people to their natural and cultural heritage

Modify local climate and reduce temperature extremes

Improved recreational experiences and opportunities

Improved livestock welfare and nutrition

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Climate change in the UK uplands and downstream flood risk

Latest evidence and climate projections suggests the UKs climate is rapidly changing. Examination of long-term trends in rainfall suggest upland areas are experiencing significantly greater increases in rainfall than lowland sites. Rainfall is expected to continue to increase and get more extreme in these areas, particularly in winter. Increases in rainfall combined with over-compacted soils in UK upland areas means less rainfall is able to absorb into soils and more water quickly enters rivers. This results in greater flood risk for many downstream communities and constitutes a climate change emergency.

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Flood mitigation with new native woodland

The establishment of more trees in upland catchments may help mitigate the growing flood risk resultant from degraded soils and expected increased rainfall from climate change. This is known as a form of ‘natural flood management’ and evidence shows the creation of native woodland in UK upland pasture slopes may reduce soil compaction and increase soil water infiltration within 15 years of establishment. The benefits of native woodland on soil properties and reducing flood risk however are shown to be highly site-specific, and there will need to be consideration of past and present management, soil type, and catchment location when planning new woodlands.

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Where and how to expand upland oak woodland

Natural tree colonisation is increasingly encouraged as the preferred method of woodland creation for its potential to be a cheaper, more environmentally sensitive alternative to tree planting. However, whilst relying on natural tree colonisation can work in certain situations, in the UK uplands which have low tree cover, establishment of native trees such as oak is highly constrained away from the woodland edge. Consequently, the strategic planting of mixed native species planting schemes will be required. This should be sensitively implemented and located only where natural tree colonisation is poor and where trees are most needed for mitigating the impacts of climate change.

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The results of native woodland creation speak volumes

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Broadleaf woodland absorbs and stores around 14.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per hectare per year

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New native woodland can improve soils to reduce flood risk within 15 years of establishment

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UK native oak trees may support up to 2300 species (326 of which are unique to oak)

How can you plan and fund new native woodland

The creation of new native woodland through natural colonisation or tree planting is a straightforward and tangible way to help tackle the climate emergency. If you would like to create new native woodland on your land there are a number of resources available and supportive organisations that can help you plan, fund, and implement your ideas.

The people who can help

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Want to find out more?

If you would like to find out more about the research and the management recommendations for the establishment of upland oak woodland we have put together an illustrated white paper and focused guidance sheet to help.

download our whitepaper