Open woodland and dense woodland
Open woodland provides more spaces for elements such as glades whereas dense woodland has more trees and walkways.
In an open woodland, trees cover between 5 and 20% of the area. An open canopy allows more sunlight to venture into the woodland, this limits shade and moisture.
An open woodland can resemble a parkland which can be an excellent way to link the design of the house and garden with the woodland.
An open woodland creates more space for elements such as heathland, wildflower meadows and glades with shorter grass for relaxing or picnics. As well as a beautiful open spot for elements such as ponds or orchards and artistic elements such as sculptures. Creating these habitats allows your woodland to be open to more wildlife as well as enhancing the biodiversity.
Open woodlands can be vulnerable to storm damage. Also, it can be draughty and exposed, making it less valuable to wildlife.
Dense woodland
Advantages and disadvantages of high density planting:
Naturally with any woodland, some trees are unsuccessful, high density planting means you won’t have to replace as many trees. For example, you can plant one new tree for every two or three trees lost. Whereas low density planting requires more new trees to be planted to replace the unsuccessful trees.
Alternatively, low density planting means the canopy will remain more open. In years to come, an open canopy allows you to plant new trees without thinning. This creates a woodland of various ages with more visual diversity. In high density planting, Glorious Woodlands can conduct thinning which opens up the woodland for new trees to be planted, creating variety.
Miyawaki forests
Miyawaki forests are small forests that can be planted in various locations to increase biodiversity. They are named after the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, an ecology expert who specialised in natural woodlands.
The case study of Witney in Oxfordshire shows how these tiny forests can be planted almost anywhere, all you need is about 200 square metres of space for a Miyawaki forest. This small area of forest will boost biodiversity and create cleaner air which are benefits for you and wildlife. These forests will store carbon, decrease the chances of flooding and reduce noise pollution just like other woodlands. For such a tiny forest the benefits are huge!
