How naval timber planning outlived the sailing battlefleet

Did the Royal Navy plant forests for future ships, and did that timber remain useful after iron warships appeared?

Yes. Naval forestry anticipated long oak growth cycles, and timber still served in early iron warships, including teak backing behind armor.

Britain deliberately managed forests because naval oak took generations to mature. Places associated with figures such as Collingwood and areas including the New Forest reflect that long planning horizon. The transition to iron did not end timber demand immediately, since early iron warships still used large quantities of wood in decks, fittings, and armor backing. HMS Warrior's teak backing is one example of how wooden material remained structurally important in the ironclad period.