Soil in woodlands and nature

Our forests and ancient woodlands contain some of our oldest, most varied and most carbon-rich soils. In fact, there is more carbon in forest soils in Great Britain than in the trees themselves. A soil can tell you a huge amount about the forest above it - both past and future. It acts as a critical indicator of woodland health and a repository of important archaeological and historical evidence accumulated throughout the ages.

Good Soil Guide

Guidance

A platform for discussion, innovation and technical support for farmers seeking to adopt sustainable, environmentally positive soil management practices.

Soil testing - soil tests without a soil testing kit

Films, videos, podcasts

Want to do a soil test in your forest? How to do a Soil Test without a Soil Testing Kit.

Woodlands and peat

Guidance

Includes a link to a report on afforested peat that helps identify the opportunities for restoration of afforested deep peat and for prioritising restoration efforts.

UK Woodland Carbon Code

Guidance

The Woodland Carbon Code (WCC) is the quality assurance standard for woodland creation projects in the UK, and generates independently verified carbon units.

Soil quality and greenspace

Guidance

Information from Forest Research about soil quality in relation to greenspace creation.

Soil-forming materials in greenspace creation

Guidance

Forest Research studies into the use of 'soil-forming materials' in the creation of new wooded areas.

Reducing soil compaction of brownfield sites

Guidance

What are the best options for planting trees on brownfield sites with compacted soil?

Effects of harvesting practice on soil sustainability

Guidance

Information from Forest Research about their research into the effects of harvesting practices on soils.

Woodland creation and soil carbon and nutrient dynamics

Guidance

Information from Forest Research about their research into soil carbon and nutrient dynamics in relation to new woodland planting.

Ancient woodland soils translocation

Guidance

Information on translocating ancient woodland soils provided by the HS2 Learning Legacy.

Scotland's soils: Forests and woodlands

Guidance

Information relating to woodland soil assessment & management provided by the Scottish Government.

Secrets of the soil

Blog / Article

An issue of the Woodland Trust's Woodwise magazine from 2016 featuring a series of articles on woodland soils.

Garden Organic

Blog / Article

A series of articles on how to look after the soil in your gardening patch, from how to test it to how to protect it in the winter months.

Getting your Nitrogen Fix: How to make Green Manure

Blog / Article

Find out more on green manures, what they are and why they're great for soil health.

Garden Soil 101

Blog / Article

Six ground rules for preparing the soil in your gardening patch.

Soil Types

Blog / Article

An easy guide to knowing your soil type, to help you choose the right plants for your garden and maintain them in good health.

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