British barley field left in 1961 became woodland in 60 years

A groundbreaking six-decade study reveals that passive rewilding effectively fosters the development of lush native woodlands. Through protective thorny scrub, young trees thrived, shielded from herbivores, while wind and jays ingeniously spread seeds, outlining the woodlands’ unique patterns. After fifty years, the area began to mirror the characteristics of ancient woodlands, showcasing an eco-friendly and budget-friendly approach to achieving woodland restoration objectives.