Fifty years after the severe drought of 1976, when Britain faces another major heatwave, I highlight the long-term impacts on trees and woodlands. Drought can permanently alter species composition, reduce growth, and increase vulnerability to pests. Young trees are particularly at risk, underscoring the importance of proactive management and species selection for future resilience.Continue Reading
I recently had the great pleasure to be invited as a guest speaker and guide for a special day exploring noble hardwoods, hosted by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) at Alnarp.Continue Reading
Despite what many people believe, there remain hundreds of mature elm trees across Britain. If you find one and would like to report it to researchers and conservationists, or are looking to see some yourself, check out this great online resource about healthy elms.Continue Reading
There are 60 or more trees in Britain that are native, meaning tree species, subspecies or hybrids that have established themselves without the hand of man. Yet only 35 are widespread meaning that the palette is actually quite limited, particularly when the full range of benefits from woodlands are considered, together with threats from environmental change.Continue Reading
The authors of The New Sylva recently travelled to East Sussex on the hunt to find some of England’s last remaining mature elm trees.Continue Reading