Sustainability is becoming more important than ever as fast paced consumption has
led to the worlds finite resources being stretched to their limits. Some would say that
we have a responsibility to make sure that are natural resources are protected for
future generations. This is extremely relevant when it comes to the world’s oak
forests as not only are they vital components in our ecosystems but also are
significant sinks of carbon. (This is because they take in more than they release,
helping reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which has risen by
50% in the last 200 years.)

Importance of oak and forests

Oak trees contribute enormously to local ecosystems, with ancient oaks in the UK
supporting up to 2,300 species for food, shelter and breeding spaces, along with 326
species which are dependent on oaks for survival. They are a slow growing tree and
can survive for up to 1000 years and range in size from 20-40 meters tall. Once an
oak trees die, they provide vital nutrients and organic matter back to the forest
supporting life around it once again. The effect of harvesting oak means that a vital
pillar of the ecosystem is removed, and clearing a whole forest of them can cause
devastating biodiversity loss.
In garden design oak is a popular choice due to many of its properties such as it
having a dense grain which makes it very durable and have a high level of water
resistance; as well as oak having a naturally high tannin content which makes it
resistant to attacks by insects or fungi. These features mean that oak is very
effective to use outside as it will last for decades and requires little maintenance.
However the growing harvesting of oak is having negative impacts on the
environment:
Replenishment of oak forests is a serious problem, in many places they are being
replaced by monocultures of a quicker growing species. For example, in Germany
oak forests are being replaced by evergreen species such as Norwegian spruce.
This is a problem as these species are usually not native to the area so aren’t as
responsive to the warmer drier conditions of central Europe that have been
exacerbated by climate change. In 2018 around 300 million cubic meters of wood
was damaged across Europe due to warm dry conditions and resulting pests
attacking already degraded forests.
Illegal logging is another significant problem with the high demand for oak products
as supply chains are often complicated so the true origin of the wood can be lost.
Romania has an illegal logging industry thats estimated to be worth $1 billion and
accounts for as much as half of all logging that occurs in the country. Local wood
depots accept all the timber harvested in one area, so at the first step in the supply
chain the origins of logs can be lost straight away as they’re mixed at the depot. The
chain gets more complicated as Romania is the largest exporter of wood to other
European countries making the origins of the timber near enough untraceable. Up to
70% of virgin oak forests have been destroyed in the last 25 years.

Certification

Certification aims to regulate and ensure sustainable sourcing of timber yet many
concerns are being raised about how effective is the certification of timber and if the
origins of oak can be guaranteed. A complex supply chains and infrequent audits
allow illegal timber to enter the market. According to the WWF, illegal timber
accounts for 16-19% of the European Union’s wood imports. The Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) are one of the main organisations which certify products inline with
their standards of forest management. However, the FSC has faced criticism for
permitting illegally logged timber in its certified products. An Earthsight report
revealed that FSC-certified Ukrainian timber was unsustainably logged and
subsequently sold to IKEA, the world’s largest furniture company. Suggesting that
even certified products might not be truly sustainable which makes it so much harder
for consumers to shop sustainably.

Summary

After 10-30 years, be that through redesign or a new homeowner altering the garden,
most gardens are overhauled. If a garden will be replaced in a short period of time, it
may not be worth using longer-lasting materials that will not be able to live out their
full potential, and a more sustainable, faster growing, and faster degrading wood
may be applicable, such as a species of pine. This will help reduce waste and
unnecessary felling. The last of the truly virgin oak forests are on the way out, and
are extremely rarely being replanted with oak saplings, and even then, whole
ecosystems that depend on mature oak are damaged in this process, and because
of murky supply lines, the certified oak may not be what it seems.

What to do in the Garden

Now is the time to move plants around the garden or plant up new ones.
The soil is still warm for the roots to establish but there is less chance of the plants
drying out.
You can divide most Perennials now including Rhubarb and balance up your garden
by taking the other half to a different place.
You can still plant lettuce and can start sowing Chinese winter greens and Spring
Cabbage.
Repairing your lawn can start now with the cooler weather, either using pre grown
turfs or seeding into prepared earth.
Your lawn treatment can start this month with aerating the garden with a strong fork
and raking out moss and thatch.
Lastly you can cut back shrubs like Buddlea and Lavatera to about half their height
to neaten them up and prevent strong winter winds rocking them about- the more
fundamental pruning happens in Spring
Perfect time to order and plant bulbs.

Where to go in October

This is a good time to visit the Knepp estate. Charlie and Isabella Tree’s pioneering
work to rewind a part of West Sussex. Have a look at their website for more
information. They now have a fab cafe/visitors centre.
Knepp Estate
West Grinstead,
Horesham RH138LF