Diversifying conifers in productive forests: stakeholders’ perspectives

Abstract

Commercial forestry has in recent decades become highly dependent on a small number of conifer species, particularly Sitka spruce. Adaptation and resilience of productive forestry is affected by risks from climate change and a number of high impact tree pests and diseases. Based on 55 in-depth interviews designed to capture the views and experiences of stakeholders, this report considers the implications of a shift in forest management through the lens of species diversity.