Expanding wet woodlands

Wet woods commonly regenerate more by colonisation of open ground than by new growth within established woodland, so it is entirely in keeping that wet woodlands in general should be maintained by expansion and creating new wet woodlands. However, new woods of this type which are planted or develop naturally on marshes, fens and bogs may well form less valued communities than the existing open habitats. In fact, wetlands are now so small and fragmented in agricultural districts that considerable effort is expended by conservation organisations to resist encroachment of woodland onto open wetlands.

Nevertheless, in areas of extensive blanket mire, and on wet ground which has recently been used as arable land or pasture, some new wet woodlands would represent an environmental gain. They can be particularly valuable if established as a buffer zone between cultivated fields and rivers.

Further advice on this subject can be obtained in Forestry Commission Bulletin 1126 .