Woodland

Woodland is a terrestrial habitat in which trees predominate but density and canopy openness are typically less than in dense forests. Woodlands feature open to semi-open canopies with sunlight reaching the ground, creating a thriving understory of shrubs, herbs, and grasses and a diverse array of wildlife.

Woodlands occur in temperate, boreal, and tropical regions. Major types include temperate deciduous woodlands, temperate coniferous and mixed woodlands, Mediterranean woodlands characterized by drought-tolerant species, and tropical dry and savanna-like woodlands where trees are interspersed with grasses. The species composition and structure are shaped by climate, soil, and disturbance history.

Ecologically, woodlands provide habitat and food for birds, mammals, insects, and fungi. They support soil stabilization, carbon storage, water regulation, and nutrient cycling. Dead wood and understorey diversity create niches for many species; edge habitats between woodland and open land often harbor unique communities.

Humans use woodlands for timber, fuel, grazing, recreation, and cultural value. Management practices include selective thinning, coppicing, controlled burning in some ecosystems, invasive species control, and restoration to expand canopy cover or reconnect fragmented patches. Legislation and land-use planning influence protection and access.

Threats to woodlands include fragmentation and conversion to agriculture or urban areas, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. Conservation approaches focus on connectivity, protected areas, sustainable harvesting, and ecological restoration to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services.