Comparison of the effectiveness of deer control and deer exclusion
in promoting natural regeneration of woodland

BSc Dissertation
Emily Moore
University of St. Andrews
April 2009

Natural regeneration of birch trees inside the Athnamulloch exclosure in Glen Affric.

Abstract

This study set out to compare the relative effectiveness of the two main methods currently used for encouraging natural regeneration of woodland in Scotland, namely fencing and deer culling.

One of the chosen study sites was the Athnamulloch 2 exclosure in Glen Affric, which was fenced in by the Forestry Commission in 1994. Deer are largely excluded, although a small number have been present within the fence at various times. The second site was Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve, where Scottish Natural Heritage have erected minimal fencing but have, over a similar period of time, relied on culling to keep deer numbers at a level that will allow trees to regenerate. Both areas contained mature birch trees, which acted as a seed source.

Little difference was observed between the amounts of regenerating birch at the two sites although there are more taller trees at Athnamulloch and greater deer damage was found at Creag Meaghaidh. Both methods are allowing new woodland to become established. However, the recruitment of new seedlings has declined at Athnamulloch, probably due to the density of the relatively undisturbed ground vegetation, which provides fewer niches for seeds to germinate.

Other tree species were recorded in the transects, principally rowan, and some eared willow. Rowan, being very palatable to the deer, was selectively browsed at both sites; however at Athnamulloch some rowan has escaped and was measured at 3-4 metres tall; the tallest rowans along the Creag Meaghaidh transects was in the 1-1.5 metre range, and were being suppressed by browsing.

The limitations of fencing are highlighted, including their expense, potential threat to woodland grouse and issues regarding public access and aesthetics. In addition, exclusion of large herbivores is recognised as being unnatural.

Nevertheless fencing is more effective in allowing species other than birch to survive and therefore in establishing a more diverse mixture of trees.

Pages about Athnamulloch on this site

• An ancient forest re-born, 20 years on Caledonia Wild! Summer 2011
• Comparison of the effectiveness of deer control and deer exclusion in promoting natural regeneration of woodland - results of a research project in 2009
• Return of the Wild Garden! Caledonia Wild! Winter 2007-08
• The Athnamulloch Bothy, Glen Affric (temporarily unavailable)
• A visit from the Bushtucker man! Caledonia Wild! Summer 2003
• Ecological processes which influence the performance of planted Scots pine seedlings
• Ten years of restoration at the Athnamulloch 1 Exclosure

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