Development of Broadleaved Woodland on Colliery and Open Pit Coal Mines in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Broadleaved woodland is an important land use and vegetation• type in the United Kingdom (UK), and potentially the most effective landscape and restoration treatment for colliery waste tips and open pit coal sites.A field-based national survey of collieries in England and Wales in 1986 and 1987 showed that establishment was satisfactory in only half of the schemes, and growth was deemed satisfactory in less than one-fifth. Also, the majority of the plantations had little affinity with woodland types found locally or regionally. The main causes of poor establishment were poor stock viability, and competition with herbaceous ground cover vegetation for available soil water in the immediate post planting period. The poor growth was due to competition for water with herbaceous vegetation and low inherent available water capacity of the soil profiles.There are standard forestry practices whereby stock quality can be assured, and herbaceous vegetation controlled or eliminated by the use of herbicides. During the restoration of the site, depending on choice of species, adequate soil water can be provided by the selection of appropriate soil types and thicknesses, and adoption of appropriate soil handling and decompaction practices. The low affinity of the plantations with local and regional types was partly due to the planting of non native species and partly due to the failure to match species with site and soil characteristics. There is no reason why woodlands of a local and regional character cannot be established by planting the associated species. A matrix of fast-growing tree and/or shrub species should be used to promote early woodland development. These would be removed during normal management which is essential for the ultimate success of the woodland. Planting schemes should also incorporate woodland structural elements and understorey and ground flora species.Provided that these measures are fully implemented, significant improvements in establishment, growth, and woodland development on restored sites should be achieved.

Understanding and Delivery of the Components of Structure, Diversity, and Function in the Restoration of Ecosystems on Mined Land: Working Towards a Practical Methodology

“…Where planted, compared with relying on natural colonisation, the tree and shrub canopy cover can be rapidly and predictably achieved through planting design and specification (stock size and planting density), and species growth habit and performance. For example for Birch -Oak woodland with a qualifying canopy cover criteria can established within five years as described by Humphries and McQuire (1994a). Where dense planting is relied upon, the understory can be provided in the woodland design as edges and openings.…”