Restoration of woodpasture on former agricultural land: The importance of safe sites and time gaps before grazing for tree seedlings

Bramble thickets were suitable safe sites for survival and growth of seedlings of both species. Tall sedges, soft rush tussocks and ruderal vegetations with unpalatable or spiny species provided temporal protection, allowing seedlings to survive. Tree regeneration in livestock grazed grassland was highly constrained. Rabbits may undo the nursing effects of bramble thickets. The first year's survival is of major importance for the establishment of trees. Subsequent grazing affects growth rather than survival. A two year's initial time gap before grazing, had positive effects on survival, but did not enhance outgrowth of unprotected trees.