Aspen is an important component of Scotland’s native woodlands, but reliable production of local-origin planting material remains constrained by its reproductive biology. Fìor Forest Nursery proposes to establish managed Aspen seed stands representing underrepresented populations from Native Seed Zones 201 and 202, creating a long-term source of traceable local-origin seed for eastern Scotland. Future Woodlands […]
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This project led by Francesca Darvill aims to establish a long‑term monitoring programme to understand how naturally regenerating Scots pine seedlings influence soil carbon (C) dynamics across carbon-rich soils in at Mar Lodge Estate. Reforestation is widely promoted as a climate mitigation strategy, yet recent evidence suggests that woodland creation on carbon‑rich soils may lead […]
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Obtaining accurate estimates of standing timber volume, species composition and future growth in irregular, mixed-species woodlands is challenging, and relatively unsupported by established protocols in the UK. This field study by Winton estate in collaboration with Crossbill Forestry aims to start filling this gap, by evaluating two forest inventory methods which have great potential to […]
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Tree Hugger is an environmental monitoring robot designed and built independently by Suhandan Thangadurai, a 15-year-old student from Fife. It uses AI vision, thermal imaging, soil nutrient sensing, and centimetre-level GPS to detect early signs of tree stress and disease before symptoms are visible. Watch a video of the robot here. Whilst the grant panel […]
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This project is a collaboration between three well-networked and experienced land managers and researchers: JLB Consulting (Dr Jessica Lynch Boucher), Wilder Williams Regeneration (Richard Williams), and the UHI Centre for Mountain Studies (Mike Daniels). They will address the following questions: What are the costs, benefits, and trade-offs of deer fencing compared with alternative deer management […]
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Native woodland creation projects frequently experience high levels of sapling mortality across both coniferous and broadleaf species. Progress towards afforestation targets, and the ecological and societal benefits they underpin, relies on the successful establishment of young woodlands. Consequently, identifying management strategies that improve early survival and growth of native tree species is a key priority. […]
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This project will develop and test peat-free growing media made from Scottish agricultural and forestry by-products processed through vermiculture. The aim is to create high-performance substrates for commercial tree nurseries that reduce reliance on imported coir, lower carbon impacts and support sustainable woodland creation. Materials including hemp shiv, broom and nursery residues will be converted […]
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Carrifran is a 650ha glen in the Southern Uplands, with an altitudinal range of 160m – 820m, managed by Borders Forest Trust (BFT). In 2000, work began to restore the glen’s woodlands, and 750,000 trees were planted, while grazing was reduced by stock fencing and managing deer numbers. The ongoing results of this restoration work […]
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The Common Ground Forum (CGF) is a cross-section of individuals and organisations connected to upland deer management in Scotland, who practise a more collaborative approach to deer management, based on mutual respect and consensus building, to move towards a greener, healthier and economically vibrant future. Formed in 2023, the CGF plays a unique role by […]
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