The Best Way to Restore Forests May Not Actually Involve Planting Trees

[Judi Lynn]

CARLY CASSELLA 18 DECEMBER 2020

The best and most diverse forests are the ones that plant themselves. It's something these amazing ecosystems have been doing for hundreds of millions of years, and some environmental advocates in the United Kingdom think we should simply get out of the way.

A new report from the environmental non-profit Rewilding Britain argues trees should only be planted by humans if natural regeneration is unlikely, or will take too long. First, we should try to prime and protect the land for normal growth.

The idea is nothing new in conservation circles, nor is it a tactic only under discussion in the UK. While planting trees holds many benefits for local environments and the wider climate, the best results depend on what, when, where and how a tree is planted and cared for.

Today, rapid reforestation attempts often produce monocultures or invasive tree species, ultimately reducing local biodiversity and access to land, water or food supplies within surrounding communities.

More:
https://www.sciencealert.com/restoring-forests-should-be-as-easy-as-letting-trees-plant-themselves

[mopinko]

2. i've been completely amazed

at what has come up on my farm in the spots i dont use.
there has been a succession over the 8 years that i have had the property. it rly is wild in spots.