UK woodland restoration challenges revealed by Manchester research

Research from The University of Manchester highlights the significant challenges of woodland restoration in the UK, where native broadleaf woodland currently covers only 14.5% of land compared to 40% in Europe. The government aims to increase this to 17% by 2030, necessitating rapid action. Dr. Matthew Dennis emphasizes the ongoing debate in landscape ecology regarding the effectiveness of large, connected habitats versus smaller, fragmented patches for biodiversity conservation. The study, part of the CASTOR project, specifically examined woodland mammals, revealing that their ability to thrive is influenced by surrounding land-use intensity. Findings indicate that in areas dominated by grassland or with low urban and arable land-use, larger woodland patches did not yield expected biodiversity benefits. Moreover, the research uncovered a homogenizing effect of arable land-use, which diminishes land-cover diversity and mammalian species richness as arable land increases. This suggests that the context of land-use is crucial for effective woodland restoration strategies. Dr. Dennis advocates for a diversified approach to woodland creation, urging policymakers to prioritize restoration based on landscape context rather than solely on land acquisition opportunities. In grassland areas, any increase in woodland, regardless of size, should be encouraged, while in urbanized regions, efforts should focus on establishing large, connected woodland patches to ensure successful nature recovery.