Damage by bark stripping is a common problem caused by some herbivores in woodland. However, most bark wounds heal over and it is often unclear just how serious the consequences are for the tree.
We are currently completing an experiment that was started in 1978 to investigate the long-term effects of bark stripping. This involved deliberate damage to Sitka spruce and lodgepole pine trees and subsequent monitoring of the effects on growth rates, stem decay and mortality.
For further information
Contact
Dr Robin Gill
Centre for Human and Ecological Sciences
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LH
Tel: +44 (0) 1420 22255
Fax: +44 (0) 1420 23653
Email: robin.gill@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
