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Watercourses and UK Woodland Establishment

Martin Sattler
Fiberweb Geosynthetics Ltd (a Berry Company)
Maldon, Essex, UK

The United Kingdom, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is currently under the spotlight for having one of the lowest levels of tree 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, provide timber and allow additional recreation opportunities.  One of the many constraints to planting and restocking these areas is the welfare and management of the watercourse systems, especially riparian zones. The woodland plan must consider carefully the species choice, blend with existing natural structure of the waterways, and be assessed to ensure compatibility and quality. 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 broadleaved and coniferous commercial forests.  Successful outcomes will be investigated, and ongoing management issues will be discussed, particularly in the light of climate change consideration.

About Martin Sattler

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