An Investigation into the Continued Effects of Fencing in Glen Affric

In 1998, Clare Walker, a student at the Institute of Ecology and Resource Management at Edinburgh University, carried out research on the effects of fencing for natural regeneration of the Caledonian Forest in Glen Affric.

Here is the summary of Clare's work, from her dissertation document:

Summary

The aim of this study was to ascertain what effect fences have had on the density and size distribution of trees in Glen Affric, and if time since fencing is a factor. It also sought to find what effect site conditions and ground vegetation had on regeneration of Scots pine.

Tree density has not been significantly affected by fences of any age, but the height distribution of trees shows a large number in the 0 - 0.5m height class and very few in any others, apart from 10 - 20m class. Areas fenced recently show similar low tree densities to unfenced areas, apart from an increase in the number of seedlings in the 0 - 0.5m class. The only correlation found with tree density was canopy cover. Other correlations were found between heather cover, moss cover, moss depth and soil wetness, all of which have been associated with poor regeneration in previous studies.

It can be concluded that fences allow an initial surge of regeneration as established seedlings are released from grazing pressure. Properties of the ground vegetation eg heather and moss coverage, and the presence of a dense canopy serve to inhibit further regeneration.

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