The two native birch trees, Betula pendula and B. pubescens, are not generally held in very high regard amongst foresters or conservationists, often beign referred to as 'weed trees'. They are very vigorous species in most conditions, regenerating readily from cut stumps and rapidly colonising newly cleared woodlands, fire sites, and other open land, with an abundance of quick-germinating, wind-dispersed seed. Areas which were one Hazel Corylus avellana coppice can turn into birch thickets very quickly.