Why We Don’t Always Plant Native Trees

Learn more about our approach to planting trees for resilience and the future.

We are often asked why we don’t only plant native trees.

It’s a good question, because native species play a vital role in Cumbria’s landscapes. They support wildlife that has evolved alongside them, shape the character of our countryside, and connect us to long histories of land use and culture.

While we plant native trees in many of our projects, we don’t plant them exclusively. We’ve put together this short article to explain why, and to give a little insight into our decision-making process.

Woodlands need to be resilient

Our climate is changing, and we’re seeing wetter winters, drier summers and new pests and diseases are already affecting trees across the UK.

We have seen the impact of ash dieback caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which is devastating populations of ash. Other threats, such as Phytophthora in larch, have also reshaped parts of the landscape.

If we rely on a narrow range of species, we increase the risk that a single disease or climate pressure could cause widespread loss. Planting a diverse mix, including some non-native but well-suited species, can help build resilience into new woodlands.

This approach is supported by guidance from the Forestry Commission, which encourages species diversity to help forests adapt to future conditions.

“Non-native” does not mean “invasive”

There is an important difference between non-native and invasive species.

A non-native tree is one that did not naturally colonise the UK after the last Ice Age. That does not automatically make it harmful. Many non-native species have been part of British landscapes for centuries and are well integrated into managed woodlands.

In contrast, invasive species spread aggressively and cause ecological harm. These are not species we would choose to plant.

Each site we work on is carefully assessed, and we look at things like soil type, exposure, long-term management, biodiversity value and the aims of the landowner and community. In some cases, that leads to a planting scheme that includes species from further afield which are likely to cope better with future climate conditions.

Biodiversity is about more than a species list

Native trees are important for supporting certain insects, birds and fungi. But biodiversity is shaped by structure and habitat as well as species origin.

A woodland with varied canopy layers, open glades, hedgerows and deadwood can support a wide range of life. In some settings, adding carefully selected non-native species can contribute to that structural diversity and seasonal variation, such as different flowering or fruiting times.

The aim is not to replace native species, but to create woodlands that are healthy, mixed and able to thrive over decades.

Productive woodlands have a role to play

Some of the land we work with is farmed. Landowners may want woodlands that provide timber, shelter for livestock or other practical benefits alongside biodiversity and carbon storage.

Certain productive species are not native to the UK but perform well here. Including them can make woodland creation more financially viable, which in turn makes it more likely that trees are planted and cared for in the long term.

Well-managed productive woodland can still deliver strong environmental benefits.

Every site is different

Raise: Cumbria Community Forest is part of the national network of community forests across England. We work closely with partners including Defra and local stakeholders to ensure our planting schemes meet national standards and local needs.

But there is no one-size-fits-all planting recipe. In some locations, a high proportion of native broadleaf species will be the right choice. In others, a mixed approach will offer greater resilience and long-term success. Our role is to balance ecological evidence, climate projections, landowner objectives and community benefit.

Planting for the future

Woodlands take decades to establish, and the decisions made at planting will shape landscapes long after we are gone.

When we choose not to plant exclusively native trees, we’re not lowering standards or ignoring nature. We’re thinking carefully, planning for uncertainty and giving new woodlands the best possible chance of thriving in a changing world.

If you would like to talk to us about woodland creation on your land, we are always happy to have an open conversation about what might work, and why.