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Forestry 2004 77(5):467-482; doi:10.1093/forestry/77.5.467
© 2004 by Institute of Chartered Foresters
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Factors affecting the success of direct seeding for lowland afforestation in the UK

Ian Willoughby1 *, Richard L. Jinks1, Gary Kerr1 and Peter G. Gosling1

1 Forestry Commission Research Agency, Alice Holt Lodge, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH, England

The history of direct sowing as a method of creating woodlands stretches back to the Middle Ages. We have recently initiated new research into direct seeding as a result of renewed commercial interest in the technique for lowland afforestation in the UK. Two commercially established sites were monitored, and three replicated field trials were set up. It is concluded that commercial direct seeding practices involving sowing high quantities of tree seed (>100 000 seeds ha–1) with an agricultural cover crop, but no protection or weed control, were failing to establish new woodlands as reliably as might be expected if planting. Replicated experiments on reclaimed and ex-agricultural land showed the clear potential for the use of direct sown Quercus petraea as an alternative to planting, but the cost of purchasing acorns may make its use as a pure sown crop impractical. Pinus sylvestris was less successful. Direct seeding of Fraxinus excelsior and Acer pseudoplatanus may have more potential since they are fast-growing pioneer species and the seed is relatively cheap, but initial experiments suggest more work is required on sowing date and weed control. These experiments confirmed the value of protection and weeding when using direct sowing as a method of lowland afforestation, and showed no benefits from establishing cover crops or relying on naturally occurring vegetation to protect seedlings from browsing mammals. Further research into vegetation management, sowing dates, the fate of tree seed and alternative species is recommended.

* Corresponding author. E-mail: ian.willoughby{at}forestry.gsi.gov.uk


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