Delegate discussion

The Biodiversity and Management of Aspen woodlands: Proceedings of a one-day conference held in Kingussie, Scotland, on 25th May 2001

At the end of the conference, there was an open discussion on some of the issues arising from the day. The following points (in no particular order) were made by delegates:

1. Peter Quelch suggested a brain-storming day be held by interested parties to take Aspen action forward amongst the partners after the conference.

2. Jonathan Willet thought it would be worthwhile drawing up a list of Aspen-related databases held by each group, which could be accessed by all interested parties. He also thought that a structured plan and guidelines for Aspen management would be beneficial rather than the current laissez faire approach.

3. Alan Featherstone suggested an Aspen Action Group be formed to act as a central collection point for information and to draft any plans thought necessary. Trees for Life offered to be an active partner should the group come to fruition.

4. Anne Elliott highlighted the importance of grazing on Aspen woodland and suggested that this be considered and incorporated into any future management plans.

5. Sandy Coppins felt that the pasture woodlands at Insh should not be considered as secondary woodland but are remains of ancient woodland and are therefore of high interest.

6. Dave Phillips hoped that agri-grazed wood-pasture would be considered in the WGS Review.

7. Colin Forrest was interested to know of any nurseries that supplied local provenance Aspen. He also suggested that there be an information exchange between interested groups. Adam Powell said that Trees for Life held a vast amount of data which they had accumulated from various surveys and this could be made generally available.

8. Robin Noble asked that if there was to be a repeat of the Aspen day that it be held in Assynt, where there is 50 years of Aspen regeneration to look at.

9. Denis Torley put forward the idea of restructuring existing conifer plantations for broadleaf components and thereby increasing the opportunities to expand Aspen.

10. Peter Quelch felt that there needed to be a surplus of Aspen to create new stands and had heard of a small nursery www.treetrader.co.uk that may help.

11. Adam Powell suggested Christie Elite in Forres as a reputable nursery who might be able to supply locally-sourced Aspen. Trees for Life are propagating Aspen and techniques are available from Adam.

12. Allan Stevenson suggested trying to build Aspen into the present Birchwood habitat action plan, he felt it would be difficult to prove this was a worthy cause on its own. Forest Enterprise have a broadleaf commitment to all their plantings and he felt the conference was exceptionally good and should be repeated in the future.

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