Douglas fir could emerge as a productive alternative to Sitka spruce for the UK’s commercial forestry sector, according to early findings from a major research programme examining how forests can adapt to future climate pressures.
The Forest Research-led study is assessing the suitability of 17 tree species across a network of nine large-scale trials in locations including Newcastleton, Cowal and the Black Isle. Five years into the project, Douglas fir has shown particular promise, especially in the south and east of the UK where conditions are forecast to become significantly hotter and drier.
Although already regarded by many growers as a credible option, Douglas fir currently accounts for just around 4% of the UK’s commercial forest area. Researchers say broader adoption could help reduce the sector’s reliance on a narrow range of species at a time of rising climate and biosecurity risks.
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Dr Ian Willoughby, principal scientist at Forest Research, warned that diversification is becoming increasingly urgent. “Future climate change and the rise in damaging pests and diseases, makes our current over reliance on such a small range of species for UK commercial timber production a major risk,” he said.
He added that early performance across the trials had exceeded expectations. “Our trials demonstrate that five years after the 17 species were planted, many had successfully established.
In fact, many were performing at least as well as standard species and exceeded expectations.” The interim results, published to mark the five-year milestone, are based on work carried out in partnership with Forestry England and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS). Alongside Douglas fir, maritime pine has also established well and could have strong future potential as a fast-growing and robust species on suitable sheltered, lowland sites with freely draining soils.
Other species under assessment include Oriental spruce, Serbian spruce and European silver fir.
Sitka spruce remains the backbone of British commercial forestry, but its long-term dominance could be challenged if pests such as Ips typographus become more established in the UK, strengthening the case for a broader mix of productive species.
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