TRIALS are due to begin on Dartmoor this month, which could revolutionise the way woodlands in Britain are managed in the future.
Up to 500 hectares of Forestry Commission land on the moor will be involved initially in the trials, which will involve selective felling and thinning of trees, rather than cutting down large areas in one go.
The new method means remaining trees will have more space to grow on and gain even more value as timber. The woodlands will be left to regenerate naturally ? and relying on seed falling from branches will reduce the need to plant nursery-raised seedlings.
Chris Marrow, Peninsula Forest district manager, said: ?The concept is called continuous cover management.
?Trees will become permanent features of woods instead of being raised and cut down again. This more natural appearance can help woodlands blend into the landscape.
?The forests will also be very diverse with trees at every stage of development, with some even being left to grow old and die naturally. Some rotting hulks will also be left, to provide food and habitats for countless invertebrates.?
Mr Marrow said the Dartmoor trials were among the first to test the new management techniques on a large scale.
He said changing timber production systems could have a positive impact on rural employment and local economies? re-shaping woodland could also bring benefits in areas including sports, informal recreation and public health.