In a new study published today in the journal Evolutionary Applications, scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Forest Research, present a detailed analysis of the genetic diversity and comparative tree health of young British woodlands, revealing the pros and cons of planting versus natural colonisation.

Kew and Forest Research scientists looked at sites with naturally colonising and planted English oak and silver birch to compare young tree condition and assess the small differences in DNA between tree populations. Genetic diversity is crucial if the UK’s forests are to thrive, as although many trees will undoubtedly fail, some will have the built-in resilience to pathogens and stressors like drought that can be passed on to future generations.

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