OpenFields

Tree production for commercial purposes in the UK is largely focused in large scale forestry operations involving softwoods such as spruce and pine. Major forests in upland areas of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are managed by the Forestry Commission and commercial woodland management companies on behalf of landowners and investors.

Silviculture techniques, enhanced with satellite imagery, are used to optimise the timber yield of forests and plantations and the trees are harvested using specialised equipment such as mechanical cutters, winches and chippers.

Other commercial tree production includes:

• Deciduous trees such as oak and beech for furniture manufacture and for specialist building requirements;
• The propogation of nursery trees for large scale planting and to supply the domestic user market, including the sale of Christmas trees;

The Openfields library holds materials related to tree propagation and forest management for productivity.