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Impact of herbivores on woodland ecosystems
This research on large herbivores covered in this programme was formerly spread over two programmes Deer population ecology and Forest habitat management. The amalgamation recognises the similarity of impacts and of approach to understanding them: it also reflects the increased importance awarded to impacts on biodiversity. The research has two major foci. Cattle grazing in native woods Cattle are thought to provide biodiversity benefits in woodlands when grazed at low density. Because of these perceived benefits there is increasing interest in the use of cattle as a tool for nature conservation management in woodlands. Little information is available, however, with which the impacts of a given cattle-grazing regime on a particular woodland can be predicted. Additionally, there is little information available on the current use of woodlands for cattle grazing in Britain. The major focus of this programme is, therefore, to: - gain an overview of the number, distribution, size and type of sites where cattle are currently being grazed in woodlands in mainland Britain;
- collate information on the reason for stocking with cattle, the cattle stocking regime, breed of cattle and the presence of other grazing animals at each site;
- collate observational information from site managers on cattle behaviour in woodlands;
- collate observational information on tree regeneration in the presence of cattle;
- if possible, draw conclusions about the impacts of cattle on woodlands and draw out generalisations about the effect of different stocking regimes;
- recommend further work to improve our ability to predict the impacts of different grazing regimes of cattle on different woodland types.
Deer population ecology It is vital for the protection and expansion of woodland that practitioners understand both the impacts of deer on woodland and the means by which deer can be managed to reduce impacts. In addition to research, therefore, this programme has taken on the important task of translating the results of research (by Forest Research and other organisations) into practical advice for woodland managers. Current work is aimed at increasing our understanding of population dynamics and behaviour, improving our ability to estimate population density and relating density to impact on crops and habitats. An external study, linked to this programme, on methods to estimate density started in 2002/03 Outputs from the programme are advice for land managers, scientific papers and policy advice to the Forestry Commission. The programme also supports Forestry Commission input to the Deer Initiatives in England and Wales and to the Deer Commission for Scotland. This is a long-term study that will be reviewed in 2005/06
Commissioned reports No reports available at this time
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