Methods of assessing the impact of deer on woodland

 

Damage assessments are a key element of deer management in woodlands. Earlier work, carried out in the 1980’s focussed on damage assessment methods that were suited to plantation woodlands. However, with the increased focus on natural regeneration and woodland bio-diversity, new methods are required.

Three methods are being developed and tested which are intended to address this need:

• Two of the methods are intended to provide estimates of the density of tree seedlings and the proportion damaged; in two different plot size and shape configurations.
   
• The third method is a ‘qualitative’ method, for assessing density of seedlings, proportion damaged, as well as browsing on under-storey plants and botanical composition. It is intended to be a relatively simple method to apply and interpret.

Field trials of these methods are now underway, with the objectives of establishing the practicalities and performance of each method and assessing sample size requirements.

For further information

Related publications

Contact

Dr Robin Gill
Ecology Division
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