Willow plantations and their surrounds are thriving with wildlife. The crop provides habitats for a diverse community of birds, small mammals, flying insects, phytophagous insects, arthropod predators and soil micro-organisms.
What we know about willow and Biodiversity Net Gain
After oak, members of the Salix family (willows) support more wildlife than any other type of tree.
There are significantly more birds in willow plots compared to the improved grassland and arable controls. Many birds using willow have red and amber conservation status.
Over 135 invertebrate species have been found in the canopies of willow, and almost as many ground dwelling and subterranean species have also been recorded.
Many of these insects are predators and could be highly beneficial in controlling pests in adjacent food crops.
Predatory arthropods are three times more abundant in SRC willow compared to arable controls.
Butterfly populations are 100% and 130% more abundant in willow compared to grassland and arable controls
The maximum biodiversity benefits come from plots with large edge effects.
What we're exploring next
Low input planting methods – min till, reduced sprays and organic options.
Integration of productive varieties with native seedlings.
Harvesting periods and methods to minimise disruption to wildlife.
Designs and stocking rates to maximise edge effect whilst minimising yield loss.
