Are there viable chemical and non-chemical alternatives to the use of conventional insecticides for the protection of young trees from damage by the large pine weevil Hylobius abietis L. in UK forestry?

In UK forestry, the synthetic pyrethroid insecticides alpha-cypermethrin and cypermethrin have been used for many years to provide protection for young trees planted on restock sites from damage by the large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis L. However, concerns over the toxicity of these insecticides to aquatic life if misused has led to a search for alternative forms of protection. This paper describes a detailed programme of efficacy experiments undertaken between 2009 and 2014 to find replacements for these products. Over 50 combinations of chemical and non-chemical approaches were tested on 16 different sites.

The lifecycle of Agrilus biguttatus: the role of temperature in its development and distribution, and implications for Acute Oak Decline

The lifecycle of Agrilus biguttatus: the role of temperature in its development and distribution, and implications for Acute Oak Decline

Access tracks construction in small woodlands

OutDoor Workshop 07.03

Moth responses to forest-to-bog restoration

Response of moth communities to restoration of formerly afforested blanket bog

Establishing robust species mixtures

New guidance from Forest Research to help design mixtures at the establishment phase

Can direct seeding be used to enhance the restoration of native species to conifer plantations on ancient woodland sites?

Can direct seeding be used to enhance the restoration of native species to conifer plantations on ancient woodland sites?

Novel dendrochronological modelling demonstrates that decades of reduced stem growth predispose trees to Acute Oak Decline

• Novel dendrochronological modelling was developed to explore oak stem growth trends. • Trees with long-term AOD symptoms may have been predisposed many decades earlier. • Diseased trees struggle to take advantage of favourable growing conditions. • Historic episodes of stress may impact the future resilience of oaks to disturbance.

ATC loading arch trailer

OutDoor Workshop 09.02

The herbicide cycloxydim is an effective alternative to propyzamide or glyphosate for the control of the forest grass weeds Molinia caerulea, Calamagrostis epigejos, Deschampsia flexuosa and Holcus lanatus

The herbicide cycloxydim is an effective alternative to propyzamide or glyphosate for the control of the forest grass weeds Molinia caerulea, Calamagrostis epigejos, Deschampsia flexuosa and Holcus lanatus.

Diameter, height and volume increment single tree models for improved Sitka spruce in Great Britain

The British forestry sector lacks reliable dynamic growth models for stands of improved Sitka spruce, the most important commercial forest type in Great Britain. The aim of this study is to fill this gap by trialling a new modelling framework and to lay the foundations of a future dynamic growth simulator for that forest type. […]

Simultaneous estimation of Pinus nigra Arn. ssp. salzmannii natural regeneration emergence and survival through lifetime analysis

We developed a climatic sensitive model to simultaneously estimate the emergence and survival of Corsican pine natural regeneration in Spain through lifetime analysis. This work is highly relevant for managing the species in a context of climate change. Our modelling approach represents a breakthrough in the state of the art of lifetime analysis.

The impacts of conifer afforestation and climate on water quality and freshwater ecology in a sensitive peaty catchment: a 25-year study in the upper River Halladale in North Scotland

  Highlights Good forest practice was effective at protecting water quality. Streamwater acidity and ecology unaffected by conifer afforestation. Hurricanes caused marked changes in streamwater acidity and water colour. Total P increased after fertiliser applications but no impact on ecological status. Findings will inform future woodland expansion within sensitive water catchments. Abstract Our study was driven by objections to afforesting the sensitive peaty […]