Conifer forest clearance, Stiperstones National Nature Reserve, Shropshire, England UK
The only conifers which are generally recognised to be native to Britain are Scots Pine, Juniper and Yew. Coniferous woodlands in Britain are mostly planted woodlands (plantations). The vast majority are made up of introduced conifer species. The characteristics of these plantations tend to be determined more by the density of planting of the trees, the amount of thinning which has taken place and the age of the trees than by the actual species of conifer. Most coniferous woodland in Britain will have been planted for forestry purposes. Conifers are preferred for timber production because they will produce an economic yield up to 6 times faster than broadleaf trees. Wood is still a vital product today, with every man, woman and child in Britain using a tonne of wood every year! Conifers produce wood which is termed 'softwood'. It is used for a huge range of products from pine furniture to paper. Coniferous woodlands in Britain are dominated by non-native species of conifers such as Douglas Fir (left), which have been imported to improve yields. They are often mixed woodlands, with several different planted species present. Sitka Spruce accounts for the greatest area of planted coniferous woodland (more here). Plantations are usually sited on land which is too poor for agriculture.
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Photo credit: © paul weston / Alamy / Afripics
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Keywords: britain, britain”, british, clearance, conifer, england, english, europe, european, forest, gb, isles, national, nature, purple, reserve, shropshire, stiperstones, uk, “british, “great
