The Douglas Fir is a very tall conifer that can grow up to 50m tall!
The fir cones are easy to recognise as they are egg shaped and hang downwards from the branches.
Douglas fir can usually be seen planted in coniferous woodland and inclosures within the New Forest. It was first imported to Britain in 1827 by the famous plant hunter David Douglas who gave it his name. It is quite particular about where it grows and prefers wet conditions.
When it is grown in a suitable place the Douglas fir produces high quality timber. It is fast growing and can produce a timber crop in 50 years. This means it is one of the most important commercial timber trees in the whole of the UK.
Producer: Like all green plants the Douglas fir gets its energy through the process of photosynthesis.
The historic change from broadleaved woodland to coniferous woodland affected the number and type of tree species found in the New Forest. There has also been a decline in traditional coppicing in recent years. Coppicing created open glades which attracted a rich diversity of species. As these glades decline in numbers so does the diversity of animals, plants and lichens living within the woodland.