The silviculture of conifers in Great Britain

Abstract

The original paper by H.M. Steven, with this title, described the silvicultural characteristics of the main coniferous species then available in British forestry. The use of these introduced conifers was justified by the limited site tolerances of the one native species, Scots pine, and the need to expand forest cover on to sites with infertile soils in harsh climatic conditions. This paper reviews the developments in silvicultural techniques and understanding that have enabled the rapid expansion of productive forestry in the last seventy years: The problems associated with afforestation, requiring amelioration of soil physical and chemical conditions, have been resolved and the climatic limits to the use of individual species are more clearly defined. Increased knowledge of the physiological responses of individual species to environmental factors has influenced silvicultural practice from nursery production to the regeneration of mature stands. Analysis of genetic variation within introduced conifer species has refined their use and is leading to improvements in their productivity and timber quality. The application of ecological principles, based on the ecosystem concept, has led to an understanding of forest stand dynamics that should ensure production from exotic species on a sustainable basis. Future requirements in the silviculture of conifers include the transfer of the results of computer simulation modelling into practice, the development of silvicultural systems appropriate to British conditions and greater emphasis on the quality of production.