Advice about planting a woodland in Somerset

[emilytree]

For my Dad's 60th B'day he is planting a smallish woodland (1-2 acres)in Sommerset. He has been advised/ had a plan drawn up by somebody who is proposing to plant mainly Sycamores, I am rather sceptical of this being the right choice, as i believe these to be the trees which ooze lots of sap and have been advised that Sycamores are like weeds which self plant and can be a pain, also that they create a very dark floor to the woodland.

I know my Dad is keen on Beech trees, though i know nothing of their pros and cons. I do know he would ideally like to have some bluebells established. I know he will plant just a few oaks (for the future which will be slower growing)

I particularly love trees which have low branching, possibly known as 'forked trees' and would love to include a few of these, does anyone know how this is possible?

Most of the trees are being transplanted, but obviously things to be considered are; how easy a tree is to establish and speed of growth. We hope that the woodland can be enjoyed for many years by my Dad and is something that will mature and flourish for the future.

I would be very grateful for advice on which trees to select.

[richnfamous]

When it comes to that sort of thing, I can recommend Rupert Furneaux at www.land-logic.co.uk as a knowledgable and thoroughly decent bloke. He's based at Ditcheat.

[The Woodman]

This request by emilytree has appeared before and has had replies from eeyore and myself.

[Beekeeper]

Sycamores are as you say almost a weed, my neighbour let one grow in his hedge, it is now probably over 7 metrs high and dumps seeds all over my garden, they are a dammed nuisance.

Beech are good as of course are Oaks of which there are many variety's, think i am right in saying over 70 different types including evergreens, also Horse and the Sweet Chestnut, Rowan, if you can find any Elms resistant to the beetle a few of those would be excellent. Lime is another nice tree with wonderfully scented flowers which attract bees in profusion. also Willows of various sorts which once again attract insects. Crack Willow is especially good for that.
I mustn't forget Yew, a wonderful tree and although fairly slow growing is a gem in any woodland and another super tree is Alder also one of our native trees which loves damp areas so if you have a low lying part it would suit this species perfectly.

Hope that is some use to you.


Ian