Natural regeneration monitoring in the Cairngorms

 

A study transect has been established through an area of Scots Pine natural regeneration above the existing Forestry Commission plantation (480 m asl) in Glenmore, up towards the summit of Creagan Gorm (732 m asl).

Research objectives are to provide information to aid the prediction of the natural treeline in upland Britain and it’s association with other environmental factors. This should also identify factors for consideration when planning the upper limit to new native woodland or the expansion of existing sites.

Technical Services Unit (TSU) staff from our Newton field station have set up plots at specific elevations using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Soil and vegetation data have been collected to generate Ecological Site Classification (ESC) outputs, and tatter flags installed to verify the wind climate. We also undertake annual meausurements in addition to coring and destructive sampling to determine age and growth patterns.

For further information about this project contact:

Dr. Janet Dutch
Technical Services Unit
Forest Research
Northern Research Station
Roslin
Midlothian
EH25 9SY

Tel: 0131 445 2176
Fax: 0131 445 5124
E-mail: janet.dutch@forestry.gsi.gov.uk