Ash stand dynamics
Much of the Core Forest Sites work in the Clyde Valley woodlands involved reduction of the amount of non-native trees. We asked Forest Research to look at the impact of this reduction, and its affect on regeneration of native tree, also to study the impact of grazing animals. We also commissioned Stirling University’s AHRC Centre for Environmental History to report on aspects of the history of the woods in the project.
Three woods – Lower Nethan, Upper Nethan and Jock’s Gill were studied in detail. In Lower Nethan, we found that boosted diffuse light could help to increase initial regeneration of native trees. An upper limit of 40% cover of …… sycamore trees in the canopy is suggested to keep the native wood in favourable condition.
Browsing was only a problem at one site where roe deer suppressed coppice shoots. The research indicated that target actions for the Upland mixed Ashwoods Habitat Action Plan should not be treated as prescriptions for particular woods.
Most of the woodlands in the Clyde Valley are in a period of transition from past intensive management to a post-1945 regime of minimal intervention. The Woodland History Study has helped to give a much clearer understanding of the processes taking place and the need for future management.
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