All publications and research
ESCom 2020 workshop: Scotland's National Ecological Network - progress and practicalities
Summary of a workshop for researchers, policy makers and practitioners to discuss the progress and practicalities of developing a National Ecological Network in Scotland. Embedded in this approach to more sustainable land use is the need to take stock of progress towards regional and national ecological networks to increase resilience into the future.
Themes
The dendroclimatic and dendrochronological background to Acute Oak Decline
Using tree ring measurements (dendrochronology) and stable isotope analysis, the research aims to examine the stem growth and tree health histories of Acute Oak Decline (AOD)-affected trees, to look for evidence of predisposition to AOD, the impact of AOD on recent growth, and correlation with A. biguttatus attack.
Themes
Modelling scenarios for woodland expansion in Scotland
A model was developed to represent the environment of Scotland, including its many different types of land managers and their views about woodland creation. By representing alternative scenarios in the model, the research explored how each set of choices might affect the benefits we get from the environment over the next 100 years and the contribution to woodland cover targets.
Themes
Analysis and development of local authority tree strategies
A series of nine local authority case studies in England to understand the processes, drivers and barriers behind tree strategy development and implementation.
Themes
Valuing mental health benefits of forests
This research examines approaches to valuation of the mental health benefits of forests and proposes how monetary valuation of these benefits can be developed further. It examines metrics to quantify mental health impacts, methodologies to value changes in these and potential for incorporating associated values into natural capital accounting
Themes
Forest damage by deer depends on crossâscale interactions between climate, deer density and landscape structure
This journal paper investigates the factors that drive deer damage to woodlands using the National Forest Inventory sample square data. We found that the likelihood of damage to trees depends on cross-scale interactions between climate, deer density and landscape structure. The complex interactive effects uncovered are difficult to interpret. We therefore provide an interactive Deer Damage Tool for practitioners to visualize how afforestation is likely to influence the probability of deer damage in different forests and regions across Britain.
Themes
Assessment of large-scale plant biosecurity risks to Scotland
This research aims to better understand potential large-scale threats to plant biosecurity in Scotland. In particular, we are exploring the risks posed by i) non-specialist and online horticultural sales, ii) large-scale plantings for landscaping and infrastructure projects, and iii) large-scale tree plantings for environmental benefits.
Themes
Attitudes to Woodland Expansion in Southern Scotland
A review of the methods available for eliciting local attitudes to woodland expansion (or other land use change), and findings from an attitudinal study in Southern Scotland.
Themes
A sequential multi-level framework to improve habitat suitability modelling
We provide a sequential framework for improved multi-scale habitat suitability modelling or species distribution modelling. We apply it to the lesser horseshoe bat in Britain to demonstrate its improved accuracy and ecological inference.
Themes
The social dimensions of oak processionary moth (OPM) management
Management of oak processionary moth (OPM) is becoming an increasing challenge to land managers of trees and woodlands in urban and rural areas as the pest continues to spread outwards...