By contrast with their distinguished history on lowland estates in Britain, hardwoods have traditionally played a minor role for timber in the uplands. Many argue this isdue to climatic and soil limitations. However, oak has proven capable of producing valuable timber, when managed appropriately on suitable upland sites. Some estates have also succeeded with alder, ash, beech, birch, elm and sycamore. Since 1985, uplandhardwood plantings have predominantly been for biodiversity and amenity, with limited aspiration to timber. Many have been stocked at 1100-1600 stems/ ha, making tending for timber difficult and expensive.
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