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Watercourses and UK Woodland Establishment

Pierre Talpe
Rainbow Professional
Hull, East Yorkshire, UK

Nick May
Ecosulis
London, UK  

The United Kingdom, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is currently under the spotlight for having one of the lowest levels of woodland cover in Europe at around 13%, compared to an average European number of 45%. Political parties are united in the drive to plant more trees to combat climate change, lock up carbon, provide timber (UK imports over 95%), and allow additional recreational opportunities.  One of the many constraints to planting and restocking existing woodlands is the welfare and management of the watercourse systems and the use of plastic tree guards, especially within riparian zones. A woodland plan must consider the existing natural structure of the waterways and be mindful towards the environment.  We will look at the types of watercourse habitats found in UK woodland, the legislation surrounding operations near water, and the measures the UK takes to ensure conformity for the creation of new broadleaved and coniferous forests.  Successful outcomes will be investigated, and on-going management issues will be discussed, particularly in light of climate change considerations.