A unique research centre supporting hardwood forestry is growing in south Oxfordshire. Gabriel Hemery and Jo Clark explain why research into hardwoods deserves more attention and invite all readers to attend an open day in June. Britain's broadleavedforests are well known for their landscape, wildlife and amenity benefits but recently the valuable timber produced from well-managed woodland seems to be a forgotten element. Forestry is perhaps the most sustainable industry in the UK but with current policy incentives primarily promoting social and environmental objectives, our broadleaved woodlands are far from sustainable unless economic elements are addressed. In England, 85% of all new planting is broadleaved but there are no measures controllingchoice of provenance leading to quality timber production, only those promoting local native origin. Whilst using local native planting stock is highly desirable in terms of genetic conservation and adaptability, it is imperative that quality material be used to maximise returns on the end product. A plantation of best provenance and/or improved stock can be as equally diverse or indeed more so, than newly created woodland containing only native species.
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