Possible Caledonian Forest Research Projects

Trees for Life has had an ongoing programme of scientific research associated with our conservation work since 1990. We welcome enquiries and interest from students who would like to carry out research projects as part of their university degree courses, and the list below provides some suggestions for possible projects. We are also happy to discuss any other suggestions which students or researchers may have. To follow up on any of these possible projects, please contact us by email, or telephone us on 01309 691292.

Ecology of hazel in Glen Affric
Previous research carried out for us on hazel has highlighted a number of possible studies on this species, including: the different pollen types of hazel in the glen and an analysis of the varying success of fruiting and reproduction of the different stands of hazel; investigation into the dispersal of hazelnuts by rodents, and a correlation with the populations of species such as wood mice; research into the lichen and bryophyte communities growing on hazel in Glen Affric, and the insect flora associated with hazel nuts there.
Ecology and regeneration of holly in Glen Affric
Like hazel, holly is a rare tree in Glen Affric, although it is recognised as a component of the native pinewood ecosystem. Research is needed to investigate the site characteristics where holly trees occur, the effect of grazing pressure, the viability of reproduction through pollination, and to determine what action is necessary to ensure the regeneration of this species.
Ecology and regeneration of oak in Glen Affric
Following on from research on oak carried out by an undergraduate from Leeds University in 2000-1, we are seeking to have further research carried out, using the results of the initial study, to locate and map out suitable areas for the reestablishment of oak in Glen Affric through planting and/or mimicking the natural hoarding of acorns by mammals.
Effects of felled non-native conifers in Glen Affric
As part of the forest restoration work in Glen Affric, substantial areas of non-native conifers have been felled and left in situ to decompose in recent years. Research into the effects of this, including the impact on ground vegetation, insect populations, water quality in streams etc. would be very useful, both for our work in Affric, and also in providing information for similar work which may be carried out elsewhere.
Pine stump survey
In Glen Affric, as in most Highland glens, there are numerous stumps of Scots pines preserved in the peat. A valuable research project for us would focus on mapping out the geographic extent of these stumps, together with other associated data, such as the depth of peat they occur in, elevation they occur at, evidence of burning and any other woody material associated with them (for example, in May 1994, in the peat on West Affric, we discovered pine cones which displayed clear evidence of having been stripped by squirrels). Radio-carbon dating of a selection of the stumps would also be very welcome.
Comparison of strategies for achieving natural regeneration of birch
In Glen Affric, the main strategy used for achieving natural regeneration is the exclusion of all deer through the erection of deer fenced exclosures. However, at Creag Meagaidh, regeneration of the birchwoods there is being achieved, in the absence of deer fencing, through an intensive deer cull. A very useful project therefore would be to compare the regeneration which is achieved by these two methods, in terms of density of young trees, distance regeneration is occurring from parent trees etc, to evaluate the relative advantages of each method. An area of fenced and regenerating birchwood at Athnamulloch in Glen Affric would make a good comparison site with Creag Meagaidh for this purpose.
Ecology of pine snags in Glen Affric
In the pinewood remnants of Glen Affric there are quite a number of standing dead trees, or snags. We would welcome research into the ecology of these, to analyse which species depend on the snags, which colonise them, and the role which these snags play in the ecosystem. The snags could also very usefully be dated using dendrochronology techniques. An extension of this research could involve making predictions for the changes which result from a decline in the number for snags in future, and offering suggestions for the management of Scots pine plantations in the glen, to artifically create snags through, for example, ring-barking some pines when the remainder are harvested.
Ecology and regeneration of juniper in Glen Affric
Juniper is often thought of as being on the edge of its range in Glen Affric, as the relatively high rainfall and wet soil conditions do not suit it. However, juniper is spontaneously regenerating inside a number of fenced exclosures in the glen, and we would welcome research to study this, and the production of distribution maps for juniper in the glen. The relevant parameters which could be analysed in such a study include soil types and conditions where the regeneration is occurring; growth rates and age of the junipers; distance from seed source/parent trees; and the presence of mycorrhizal fungi associated with juniper.
Colonisation of regenerating pine forest by wood ants in Glen Affric
A useful research project on wood ants would focus on the factors which determine their recolonisation and spread into areas of regenerating native pinewood in Glen Affric. Through studying the distribution of ant nests is mature forest and regenerating forest, it should be possible to identify the critical factors, such as the age of trees and percentage of canopy cover, which the ants require to meet their habitat needs. Together with the distance of new colonies from possible parent colonies, these and other factors could then be used to develop a predictive model for the spread and expansion of wood ants into regenerating areas of pinewood adjacent or near to the existing remnants of Caledonian Pine Forest. From this it may also be possible to determine if there is a maximum distance over which wood ants will disperse, and beyond which any isolated areas of pinewood will require human-assisted colonisation by wood ants.
Mycorrhizal research in the pinewoods of Glen Affric
In intact forests mycorrhizal fungi play an important role in the ecosystem. We would welcome substantial research (eg for a doctorate) on mycorrhizal fungi associated with the various tree species in the pinewoods of Glen Affric. Research could focus on one or a number of aspects which would provide valuable information for us in planning forest restoration work. Possible subjects for this include mapping out the distribution of mycorrhizal fungi, particularly in locations where the forest has declined or disappeared recently (do mycorrhizal fungi persist after the tree cover has been removed?); researching which mycorrhizal fungi are associated with which tree species in the glen, particularly focussing on the scarcer and little studied tree species there (eg oak, aspen, hazel etc.); comparing the presence of mycorrhizal fungal in mature pinewood with newly planted areas, naturally regenerating areas, and commercial Scots pine plantations in the glen and using these results of this make suggestions for the potential role of mycorrhizal inoculation in regeneration schemes; establishing and evaluating trial plots where differing techniques of mycorrhizal inoculation are used in areas where trees have been planted.
Lichen survey
We would welcome a study of the diversity and density of lichen species in the Glen Affric area, especially as lichens can be used as an indicator for the presence or absence of air pollution. Such a study could include research into the mass of lichen per unit area in the forest, and its possible contribution of nitrogen to the ecosystem, or could focus on lichen species associated with particular tree species, such as hazel and oak, both of which are rare in Affric, but are known to host diverse lichen communities. NB: a globally threatened species of lichen, forked-hair lichen (Bryoria furcellata), was discovered is Glen Affric in March 1997, and this highlights the need for further research into the diversity of lichens in the glen.
Role of dead wood in the forest
Research carried out for us by s student from Edinburgh University has shown that the amount of dead wood, or coarse woody debris (CWD), in Glen Affric is less than other similar native pinewood remnants. This is attributed to past exploitation of the forest, and we would welcome further research to study the flora and fauna associated with CWD in Affric, and to determine what effect the decreased volume of CWD may have had on their populations.
The application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in planning for ecological restoration of the Caledonian Forest
Research would be welcome into the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software as a tool to aid the process of ecological restoration of the Caledonian Forest through:- computerised mapping of the existing remnants of the forest and the locations of rare trees; prioritising areas for their regeneration potential; and developing a strategy, using factors such as soil conditions, elevation etc, to link up the isolated forest fragments with a new generation of trees. This GIS-based approach could also be developed into a general methodology, with potential applications for other restoration projects elsewhere in Scotland.
Study of growth rates in aspens planted in Glen Affric
Trees for Life has been running a successful programme of aspen propagation and regeneration in Glen Affric for almost 10 years, and as part of this we have planted several hundred aspens in various locations in the glen. These planted trees exhibit differing growth rates, and we would welcome a study of this, comparing the relative rates of growth with factors such as soil types, exposure, aspect, elevation etc. to determine what the major governing influences are on this species.
Pinewood canopy research
Recent research in the canopies of temperate forests elsewhere in the northern hemisphere (eg the redwoods in California, and the temperate rainforersts of Vancouver Island in Canada) has revealed hitherto unknown communities of life there, and numerous species new to science. Little if any research has been carried out in the canopy of the mature Scots pine stands in the Caledonian Forest in Scotland, and possible research projects could involve: evaluating the lichen loads living on the branches and their ecological effects (eg fixing atmospheric nitrogen, which enriches the soil when the lichens or branches fall to the ground); a study of the invertebrate populations living in the canopy; the incidence and effects of rowan seedlings which germinate on branches or forks of old Scots pines; the effects of canopy needle density on ground vegetation below etc.
Dieback in alders
In Glen Affric and the next glen to the north, Glen Cannich, alder trees are dying for as yet unknown reasons. Research into this phenomenon would be welcome, and any conclusive results would be particularly useful to us as we are carrying out work to restore riparian forest, including alder, to the upper Affric watershed.
Study of small mammals and avifauna in the pinewoods in Glen Affric
A study of the small mammals and avifauna in the area, to determine the numbers of species present, their density etc. This would provide a baseline of data, so that in future years as the seedling pines and other trees grow and the forest area increases within the exclosures which are fenced for regeneration, we can see the effect of this on the populations of birds and mammals.
Pinewood beetle survey
A study of the beetles in the pinewoods of the RSPB's Abernethy Reserve resulted in the discovery of a species new to science, as well as details of the wide range of species (44) found in native pinewoods. We would like to have a similar study carried out in Glen Affric to determine the diversity of the beetle fauna there. This could focus in particular on the various habitats of the beetles, particularly the role of standing and fallen dead trees.
Feasibility studies for reintroduction of locally-extinct wildlife
Part of our longer-term aim is to reintroduce the missing species of wildlife, such as the beaver, wild boar, moose, lynx, brown bear and wolf to the restored Caledonian Forest. Such reintroduction programmes are already underway for the lynx in the Vosges Mountains in France and the wolf in several locations in the USA. A valuable research study for our project would include the gathering and collating of information about these other reintroduction schemes, mapping the nearest present range of the respective species, identifying the habitat needs etc. for the species, identifying populations which could be a source for reintroductions, producing a feasible timetable for when such reintroductions could take place.
Collation of research into similar pinewood forests in Scandinavia
Ecologically, the closest forest communities to the Caledonian Forest are in Scandinavia, and as those there are in better condition, there is much we could learn from them, in terms of their functioning and the role of the wildlife species still extant, but which are extinct in Scotland. Thus, a very useful project would be to research what papers, studies reports etc. are available on the Scandinavian forests, and to collate the material which is of relevance to Scotland.
Research into possible financial benefits to the Highlands & local employment prospects of the return of a wild forest on a large scale
We believe that for a truly sustainable future in Scotland, the country needs large areas of natural, wild ecosystems and sustainable income sources and employment for local people, and that these two are linked. We would welcome research into the possible economic impact of our proposals and opportunities for job creation associated with large scale ecological restoration of the Caledonian Forest.

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