[wildwoman]

Highland Damsel,
Here in Cumbria native oaks, ash etc are constantly removed from limestone pavements - I agree, management is necessary for balance. The beeches problem here in Cumbria is that beech is not only managed but conservation bodies and land owners are legally obliged to remove non-native species. Ten years ago the advice from the Forestry Commission and English Nature was to clear fell the Rusland Beeches- 54 mature beech trees - these beeches are fantastic for wildlife and flora- there are several species of bats, many birds including increasingly threatened owls and woodpeckers and ground flora - spring flowers, holly etc. Language is important - the oak is described as 'dominant' and the beech as 'invasive.' It took a vigorous campaign to prevent clearfelling of the Rusland Beeches on the margin of an SSSI. Of course beech should be managed but they should be given respect as 'native' trees. The Forestry Commission accept that climate change is happening and beech is stressed in its accepted southern range. Their solution is to plant northern beech refuges (no same age monoculture we hope!) Refuges alone will not address situations where mature and maturing beech are being felled in the name of conservation now, for example around Thirlmere. "Refuges" without a change in 'non-native' perception will lead to "there are designated places for beech"