An interesting study published this week in the journal Science has provided more evidence that natural regrowth of forests is faster and more efficient than tree planting for restoring habitats. Here’s the Guardian‘s take on it:
Here’s a link to the original study in the journal:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abh3629#
And here’s a link to something that I wrote on this topic last year, arguing that pollinators and seed dispersers play a vital role in this process:
Tree planting has its place, of course, especially as a way to get local communities engaged in positive action for the environment. But it’s not the solution for large-scale habitat restoration: in order to do that we need to harness nature’s own regenerative abilities.
Prof. Jeff Ollerton - ecological scientist and author 
Our previous local forest manager was a big advocate of natural regeneration. He said it was better for soil and tree health.
PS. Changing the subject — re Richard Burton — I have discovered where he lived in the Touraine as a child. It wasn’t Montlouis sur Loire as I had believed, but in Tours itself. I have two addresses, which the family occupied during two separate sojourns in France. I think one of the buildings no longer exists, but the other does, although the street name has changed. More on the ground investigation to be done.
I’m sure that manager was correct.
Interesting re Burton, please let me know what you find out!
Going on what has been happening in my garden, I have self-seeded hollies, a cherry tree and silver birches, though I do pull the latter out.
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