to Forestry Commission home page
to Forest Research home page

Forest Research home > Contact us > People

Ralph Harmer, BSc, PhD

Programme Group Manager, Centre for Human and Ecological Sciences

Email: research.info@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1420 22255
Tel direct: +44 (0)1420 526152
Fax: +44 (0)1420 23563

Address:
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LH
UK

After graduating from the University of East Anglia with a BSc in Biological Sciences Ralph studied for his PhD at University of Manchester, investigating the ecology of reproduction in upland grasses. In 1986, following post-doctoral studies at both Manchester and Aberdeen Universities, he joined Forest Research to begin work on the improvement of native broad-leaved trees, concentrating on the development of stem and crown form in oak. For the last 10 years he has worked on the management of lowland native woodlands.

Current role

Programme Group Manager, Centre for Human and Ecological Sciences

Current programmes

Lowland Native Woodlands
Project Manager

Ecology of upland native woodlands

European network for vegetation management

Research areas

  • Natural regeneration of broad-leaved trees Restoration of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to native woodland
  • Coppice
  • Competition between tree seedlings and the ground flora

Main recent publications

See publications for lowland native woodlands programme.