The need for roots is indisputable...

Past success of planting on disturbed land in the UK has been mixed. Studies by the Forestry Commision's Research Agency  have shown that woodland established on brownfield land is generally disappointing.

A lack of coherent site investigation, disregard for research recommendations, misguided specification choice and inadequate commitment to inspection and maintenance emerged as the key causes of failure.

To address this situation, the Forestry Commision and English Partnerships, two of the UK's leading land management organisations, commissioned the development of roots, a PC-based decision-support system capable of producing custom-built specifications for the planting and establishment of trees, shrubs, grasses, wild flowers and legumes on brownfield sites and other disturbed land.

The software has been developed by Muddy Boots Software Ltd and Progressive Restoration, in close consultation with the sponsoring partners.

roots is also backed by the Land Restoration Trust . A financial contribution towards the development of roots was made by The Mersey Forest and the European Regional Development Fund.