Kevin Watts, BSc, PhD

 

Project Leader, Ecology Division

Email: kevin.watts@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1420 22255
Tel direct: +44 (0)1420 526200
Fax: +44 (0)1420 23563

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

Kevin joined Forest Research in 2002, after completing PhD at the Countryside and Community Research Unit, University of Gloucestershire. His thesis examined opportunities and barriers to biodiversity planning in the wider countryside, emphasizing importance of landscape-scale action to move beyond historical site-based approach to biodiversity conservation. As an undergraduate, he developed an objective approach to evaluating woodlands using the established relationship between species richness and habitat area.

In more general terms, he has knowledge of ecology and forests from both an academic perspective, as a student, lecturer, and researcher, and in a practical capacity as a habitat surveyor, consultant and practical conservationist. He also has wide experience of applied landscape ecology within forest landscapes, with recent applications at the forest, catchment, region and country scale.

Current role

Project Leader, Landscape ecology research, Ecology Division

He is currently developing a suite of landscape ecology based tools under the name BEETLE (Biological and Environmental Evaluation Tools for Landscape Ecology) to enable forest/land managers to effectively target biodiversity conservation action and evaluate the impact of planned landscape change on biodiversity.

He also regularly provides support, advice and knowledge transfer on landscape related issues.

Current programmes

Landscape ecology
Project Leader

Habitat networks
Development of a number of habitat network strategies throughout the UK

VISULANDS (EU)
Visualisation tools for participatory planning of landscape change

HaRPPS
Habitat, Rare, Protected and Priority Species Decision Support System

Affiliations and achievements

• Member of the UK Biodiversity Research Advisory Group (BRAG)
• Representative on European Network for long-term Forest Ecosystem and Landscape Research (ENFORS – COST E25)
• Member of the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE)
• Member of the Landscape Ecology Group of the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO – 8.01.03)
• Member of the British Ecological Society (BES).

Research areas

• Development of a suite of landscape ecology-based evaluation tools - BEETLE (Biological and Environmental Evaluation Tools for Landscape Ecology)
• Species-based research

Main recent publications

Watts, K., Quine, C., Ray, D., Eycott, A.E., Moseley, D.G. and Humphrey, J.W. (in press). Conserving biodiversity in fragmented landscapes: Recent approaches in UK forest planning and management, in Patterns and Processes in Forest Landscapes - Multiple Use and Sustainable Management. Lafortezza, R., Chen, J., Sanesi, G. and Crow, T. R. (Eds.), Springer, The Netherlands.

Humphrey, J., Ray, D., Brown, T., Stone, D., Watts, K. and Anderson, R. (in press). Using focal species modelling to evaluate the impact of land use change on forest and other habitat networks in western oceanic landscapes. Forestry,

Quine, C. and Watts, K. (in press). Successful de-fragmentation of woodland by planting in an agricultural landscape? An assessment based on landscape indicators. Journal of Environmental Management,

Watts, K., Quine, C., Eycott, A.E., Humphrey, J.W. and Ray, D. (in preparation). Targeting and evaluating biodiversity conservation action within fragmented landscapes: An approach based on generic focal species and functional connectivity.

Watts, K., Handley, P., Scholefield, P. and Norton, L. (2008a). Habitat Connectivity – Developing an indicator for UK and country level reporting. Phase 1 Pilot Study - Unpublished contract report to Defra (Defra Contract CR0388). Forest Research, Farnham, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster.

Eycott, A.E., Watts, K., Pullin, A.S., Stewart, G.B., Buyung-Ali, L.M. and Bowler, D.E. (2008a). Which matrix features affect species movement and dispersal? A systematic review and meta-analysis, in Landscape Ecology and Conservation - Proceedings of the 2008 IALE (UK) Conference, held at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, 8th-10th September 2008. Carey, P. (Ed.), IALE(UK).

Eycott, A.E., Watts, K., Brandt, G., Buyung-Ali, L.M., Bowler, D.E., Stewart, G.B. and Pullin, A.S. (2008b). What is the evidence for the development of connectivity to improve species movement, as an adaptation to climate change? - Unpublished contract report to Defra (Defra Contract CR0389). Forest Research, Farnham, Surrey & Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Bangor

Watts, K., Handley, P., Scholefield, P. and Norton, L. (2008b). Developing a UK connectivity indicator: Pilot study, in Landscape Ecology and Conservation - Proceedings of the 2008 IALE (UK) Conference, held at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, 8th-10th September 2008. Carey, P. (Ed.), IALE(UK).

Watts, K., Ray, D., Quine, C.P., Humphrey, J.W. and Griffiths, M. (2007a). Evaluating Biodiversity in Fragmented Landscapes: Applications of Landscape Ecology Tools ^(PDF-6430K). Forestry Commission Information Note No.085, Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Watts, K., Eycott, A.E., Broadmeadow, M., Ray, D., Sing, L. and Latham, J. (2007b). Climate change, habitat fragmentation and the resilience of ecological networks, in 25 Years of Landscape Ecology: Scientific Principles in Practice - Proceedings of the 7th IALE World Congress, held at Wageningen, The Netherlands, 8th-12th July 2007. Bunce, R. G. H., Jongman, R. H. G., Hojas, L. and Weel, S. (Eds.), IALE.

Moseley, D.G., Ray, D. and Watts, K. (2007a). Improving forest habitat networks with new woodland planting schemes. Forestry and British Timber January 2007,  14-18.

Moseley, D.G., Ray, D., Humphrey, J.W. and Watts, K. (2007b). Forest Habitat Networks Scotland. Unpublished contract report to Forestry Commission Scotland, Forestry Commission GB and Scottish Natural Heritage. Forest Research, Edinburgh.

Eycott, A.E., Watts, K., Moseley, D.G. and Ray, D. (2007a). Evaluating Biodiversity in Fragmented Landscapes: The Use of Focal Species ^(PDF-3460K). Forestry Commission Information Note No.089, Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Eycott, A.E., Watts, K. and Griffiths, M. (2007b). Continued Development of a Woodland Habitat Network for Wales. Contract Report to the Countryside Council for Wales and the Forestry Commission, Wales, Forest Research, Farnham, Surrey.

Eycott, A.E. and Watts, K. (2007). Using a consistent habitat network approach to reduce fragmentation at site to national scales, in 25 Years of Landscape Ecology: Scientific Principles in Practice - Proceedings of the 7th IALE World Congress, held at Wageningen, The Netherlands, 8th-12th July 2007. Bunce, R. G. H., Jongman, R. H. G., Hojas, L. and Weel, S. (Eds.), IALE.

Eycott, A.E., Handley, P. and Watts, K. (2007c). Development of a National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS), Phase 2 - Historic, current and future conservationd status of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in North East Wales: GIS modelling work. Unpublished report to the Herpetological Conservation Trust, Forest Research, Farnham, Surrey.

Dolman, P.M., Hinsley, S. A., Bellamy, P. E. and Watts, K. (2007). Woodland birds in patchy landscapes: the evidence base for strategic networks. Ibis 149,  146-160.

Watts, K. (2007). Landscape indicators for Native Woodland Habitat Action Plans - Review and proposed approach. Draft report to Corporate and Forestry Support and the NWHAP Group, Forest Research, Farnham, Surrey.

Watts, K. (2006). British forest landscapes: The legacy of woodland fragmentation. Quarterly Journal of Forestry 100 (4),  273-279.

Quine, C., Watts, K., Ray, D. and Humphrey, J. (2006). Landscape ecology: emerging approaches for planning and management of forests and woodlands within Britain, in Forest Research Annual Report and Accounts 2004-2005. The Stationery Office, Edinburgh, 52-59.

Humphrey, J.W., Quine, C.P. and Watts, K. (2006). The influence of forest and woodland management on biodiversity in Scotland: recent findings and future prospects, in Farming, Forestry and the Natural Heritage: towards a more integrated approach. The Natural Heritage of Scotland Series No 14. Davison, R. and Galbraith, C. A. (Eds.), Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh, Scotland, 59-75.

Watts, K. and Kirby, K. J. (2005). United Kingdom, in European long-term research for sustainable forestry: Experimental and monitoring assets at the ecosystem and landscape level. Part 1: Country reports. Technical Report 3, Working Group 1, COST Action E25. Mårell, A. and Leitgeb, E. (Eds.).

Humphrey, J., Watts, K., McCracken, D., Shepherd, N., Sing, L., Poulsom, E. and Ray, D. (2005). A Review of Approaches to Developing Lowland Habitat Networks in Scotland ^(PDF-3016K). SNH Commissioned Report No.104, Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh.

Watts, K. and Griffiths, M. (2005). South West England Ancient Woodland Habitat Networks: Scoping Study. Unpublished contract report to Forestry Commission South West England Conservancy, Forest Research, Farnham, Surrey.

Watts, K., Griffiths, M., Quine, C., Ray, D. and Humphrey, J.W. (2005a). Towards a Woodland Habitat Network for Wales. Contract Science Report No.686, Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor, Wales.

Watts, K., Humphrey, J.W., Griffiths, M., Quine, C.P. and Ray, D. (2005b). Evaluating Biodiversity in Fragmented Landscapes: Principles ^(PDF-488K). Forestry Commission Information Note No.073, Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Watts, K. and Selman, P. (2004). Forcing the pace of biodiversity action: a force-field analysis of conservation effort at the 'landscape scale'. Local Environment 9 (1),  5-20.

Ray, D., Hope, J. and Watts, K. (2004a). Development of a Forest Habitat Network Strategy in West Lothian. SNH Commissioned Report No. 049, Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh.

Quine, C., Humphrey, J.W. and Watts, K. (2004). Biodiversity in the UK's forests - recent policy developments and future research challenges, in Towards the Sustainable Use of Europe’s Forests – Forest Ecosystem and Landscape Research: Scientific Challenges and Opportunities (EFI Proceedings No. 49). Andersson, F., Birot, Y. and Päivinen, R. (Eds.), European Forest Institute, Joensuu, 237-248.

Humphrey, J.W. and Watts, K. (2004). Biodiversity indicators for UK managed forests: development and implementation at different spatial scales, in Monitoring and indicators of forest biodiversity in Europe - from ideas to operationality. Proceedings of the EFI/UFRO Conference 12 - 15 November 2003. Marchetti, M. and Larsson, T.-B. (Eds.), European Forest Institute, Joennsu.

Humphrey, J., Ray, D., Watts, K., Brown, C., Poulsom, L., Griffiths, M. and Broome, A. (2004). Balancing upland and woodland strategic priorities. SNH Commissioned Report No. 037, Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh.

Latham, J., Watts, K. and Thomas, C. (2004). Development of a Forest Habitat Network for Wales: linking research with policy, in Landscape Ecology of Trees and Forests - Proceedings of the 2004 IALE (UK) Conference, held at Cirencester Agricultural College, Gloucestershire, 21st-24th June 2004. Smithers, R. J. (Ed.), IALE(UK).

Watts, K. and Humphrey, J.W. (2004). The role of focal species modelling in landscape evaluation for biodiversity. Symposium on Dispersal and Landscape Connectivity: Implications for Conservation, held at the Centre for Conservation Science, University of Stirling, 10th February 2004.

Watts, K. and Griffiths, M. (2004). Exploring structural connectivity in Welsh woodlands using neutral landscape models, in Landscape Ecology of Trees and Forests - Proceedings of the 2004 IALE (UK) Conference, held at Cirencester Agricultural College, Gloucestershire, 21st-24th June 2004. Smithers, R. J. (Ed.), IALE(UK).

Stewart, K., Bourn, N., Watts, K. and Griffiths, M. (2004). The persistence of a key butterfly species Boloria selene (small pearl-bordered fritillary) in Clocaenog Forest and the impact of landscape-scale processes, in Landscape Ecology of Trees and Forests - Proceedings of the 2004 IALE (UK) Conference, held at Cirencester Agricultural College, Gloucestershire, 21st-24th June 2004. Smithers, R. J. (Ed.), IALE(UK).

Ray, D., Watts, K., Hope, J.C.E. and Humphrey, J. (2004b). Developing Forest Habitat Networks in lowland Scotland, in Landscape Ecology of Trees and Forests - Proceedings of the 2004 IALE (UK) Conference, held at Cirencester Agricultural College, Gloucestershire, 21st-24th June 2004. Smithers, R. J. (Ed.), IALE(UK).

Watts, K. (2003). Landscape Ecology Project: Phase 4 Project Plan - Development of prototype landscape ecology evaluation tools to assist large-scale forest planning. Forest Research, Ecology Division, Alice Holt, Farnham.

Ray, D., Watts, K., Griffiths, M., Brown, C. and Sing, L. (2003). Native woodland habitat networks in the Scottish Borders. Contract Report to Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Borders Council, Forest Research, Edinburgh.

Quine, C. and Watts, K. (2003). Briefing Note on the VisuLands Project. Forest Research, Edinburgh.

Watts, K. (2001). Planning for Biodiversity in the Wider Countryside: Recognising Opportunities, Overcoming Barriers. PhD Thesis, Countryside & Community Research Unit, University of Gloucestershire, UK.

Watts, K. (1999). Planning for Biodiversity in the Wider Countryside: A case study to examine the conservation of Culm Grassland in south west England. Poster presentation at the World Congress of the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE), Colorado, USA.

Watts, K. (1998). Alien Invasive Plant Species in the Upper Bristol Avon Catchment: Distribution, Status and Management. SERC Consultancy for the Environment Agency, Bridgwater.

Watts, K. (1997). Alien Invasive Plant Species in the Lower Bristol Avon Catchment: Distribution, Status and Management. SERC Consultancy for the Environment Agency, Bridgwater.

Watts, K. (1996). The Ecological Evaluation of Wildlife Habitats: An objective approach using the relationship between species richness and habitat area in Somerset Woodlands. BSc (Hons) Dissertation, University of the West of England, UK.