Long-term prospects for farm grassland and woodland on reclaimed coal spoil sites

Abstract An account is given of how colliery spoil covering 60 ha was sown and managed as farm grassland for 17 years at a site in County Durham. The gradual expansion of the milking herd and the increases in yield of hay and silage are described. Yearly variations are accounted for. The role played by 16 ha of undisturbed farmland in the success of the enterprise is assessed. The management on the same site of a mixed woodland is described from pre-planting to age 17 years. Choice of species, tree survival rate and average heights are given. The results obtained from a mixed woodland in Cumbria created on a derelict spoil-heap 88 years ago make a valuable comparison. Based on the evidence available, suggestions are made about treatments which might be made to secure longevity for both young farm grassland and woodland.