GIS-based potential distribution mapping of Corylus avellana (hazel) in Glen Affric

In 2001, Stephen Jamieson, a student in the Geography Department at the University Of Leeds, carried out research on the potential areas where hazel could grow in Glen Affric.

Here is the summary of Stephen's work, from his dissertation abstract.

Abstract

This study addresses a need expressed by Trees For Life for potential distribution mapping of Corylus avellana (hazel) in the vicinity of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin to facilitate their planting strategy over the coming years. Data from existing stands was taken to build a preference model for the species. It was found that hazel is most commonly found in mixed deciduous woodland on southeast-facing slopes of a magnitude of up to 26°, where the wetness index was between values of 0 and 12. The altitudinal preferences of hazel were less clear due to the narrow range, however stands dominated in the 210 - 240m ranges.

The model was subsequently applied to topographic data derived from a digital evaluation model (DEM) and biotic data derived from the National Vegetation Classification and aerial images and analysed in a Geographical Information System (GIS). This resulted in a potential distribution map of hazel across the study area, which was then tested for reliability against ground truth data collected in the form of a transect, studying a set of observable quantitative criteria. The result of this proved to be excellent as the automatically derived data fitted the ground truth data by 95%.

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