Trees and game cover

Why plant a wood for country pursuits

A well designed woodland comprising of the right species of trees and shrubs can increase the wood's potential as a suitable habitat for game shooting.

The trees and the shrubs will act as both a shelter and as a valuable game food source.
 

A successful game wood can be a profitable resource for landowners.

 

Free advice, tailored for you

Our team of woodland creation advisers are here to help, running through the options. See how the Woodland Trust can help you plant trees 
 

• contact an adviser
• phone 0845 293 5689
• email woodlandcreation@woodlandtrust.org.uk 

 

 

How to plant a wood for country pursuits?

A wood that is suitable for game will need to include shrubs as well as trees.

Your choice of trees will affect which shrubs you can include in your plan.

Trees with a dense canopy will close out light to the woodland floor and limit the growth of shrubs.

A mixed range of species including more open canopy tree species would be beneficial.
 

Pheasants eat a wide range of fruits, nuts and berries.

When choosing shrubs their ability to provide good cover in winter at ground level or for roosting is much more important for pheasants than any berries they may produce.

When planning a wood you need to consider future management.

Glades or coppiced compartments are important areas for game birds, providing nesting and feeding habitat.

Pheasants also prefer the woodland edge and by creating and maintaining rides you are providing more edge habitat for them to benefit from.

 

Free advice, tailored for you

Our team of woodland creation advisers are here to help, running through the options. See how the Woodland Trust can help you plant trees 
 

• contact an adviser
• phone 0845 293 5689
• email woodlandcreation@woodlandtrust.org.uk