The Identification, collection of seed and scion material from the ‘plus’ trees in Gloucestershire of our major native species, principally oak

Gloucestersire’s broadleaved native woodlands contain a genetic resource that underpins much of our biodiversity, but which has been eroded by over exploitation and neglect. Often the best trees were removed, particularly during the two world wars, leaving only the poorer performers to produce the next generation. This created a downward spiral, known scientifically as ‘dysgenic selection and inbreeding depression’. We are now in danger of growing a poorer and less robust generation of trees rather than a better one, which should be the normal goal of all management systems for enhancing and preserving biodiveristy. This situation can be addressed by this application and we are seeking funds to enable us to select, test and breed our most important native tree species – prinicipally oak – and for some further collection work with ash and other hardwoods.