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Conservation Evidence Journal

Publishing evidence to improve practice

Introduction

The Conservation Evidence Journal shares the global experience of those on the front line of conservation practice about the effectiveness of conservation actions. All papers include monitoring of the effects of the intervention and are written by, or in partnership with, those who did the conservation work. We encourage articles from anywhere around the world on all aspects of species and habitat management such as habitat creation, habitat restoration, translocations, reintroductions, invasive species control, changing attitudes and education. 

The Conservation Evidence Journal publishes peer-reviewed papers throughout the year collected in an annual Volume. We publish Special Issues and collate Collections on specific topics, such as management of particular groups of species or habitats. To search for papers on a specific topic within the journal select Advanced search, enter your keyword(s) and within the Source box type: "conservation evidence". This will take you to a list of actions that contain Conservation Evidence Journal papers. In order to see the list of individual Conservation Evidence Journal papers on the topic, please click on 'You can also search Individual Studies' at the top of this page.

Creative Commons License Copyright is retained by the author(s). All papers published in the Conservation Evidence Journal are open access and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

The Conservation Evidence Journal is a separate publication within the Conservation Evidence project. Conservation Evidence is a free, authoritative information resource designed to support decisions about how to maintain and restore global biodiversity. You can search for summarised evidence from the scientific literature about the effects of actions for species groups and habitats using our online database

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Habitat management

This virtual collection contains 52 papers on habitat management. We also have virtual collections on grassland conservation, forest conservation, shrubland & heathland conservation and wetland conservation.

Artificial lighting technologies to support aquatic plants in rivers which are shaded by bridges and culverts

Fleming S.D., House T.M., Boyd J.D., Lister J.D., Lavelle A.M. & German S.E. (2023), 20, 21-29

Preview

Aquatic plant communities are important components of river ecosystems, providing food sources and functional habitats through the provision of refuge and spawning substrate for animals including fish and macroinvertebrates. Types of urban infrastructure including bridges and culverts present a major challenge to rivers; for example, the shading effects of these structures can exclude aquatic and wetland plants, degrade and fragment habitats and inhibit the movement of aquatic and riparian species in rivers.

Few studies have investigated the potential to reconnect riverine habitats through artificial lighting technologies. In this study, a 12-month controlled laboratory trial was undertaken to investigate the potential for using artificial lighting to support aquatic plants shaded by urban infrastructure. Two artificial lighting scenarios were compared to a natural light (control) scenario to determine the potential for supporting eight aquatic plant species common in UK rivers.

Overall, growth rates, flower numbers and biomass values were higher for all species under the natural light scenario. However, the artificial lighting scenarios also enabled selected plants to grow and survive over the trial period with variable success in line with shade tolerance, suggesting that it is feasible to grow aquatic plants under urban infrastructure using artificial lighting. This study provides a basis of understanding on how to design an artificial lighting strategy that can support a community of aquatic plants; however, further study and in river trials are required to optimise such as system.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/11852

Grazing and scrub clearance promote open dune habitat regeneration in pine plantation canopy gaps in Merseyside, UK

Hunt N., Mercer D. & Oxbrough A. (2019), 16, 43-47

Preview

Coastal management practices have shifted in recent decades to recognise afforestation of sand dunes as a principle factor in mobile dune system degradation and ecological decline. However, removal of conifer plantations to re-establish dune dynamics may be restricted by the presence of protected species and public antagonism to clear-felling. Alternatives include creation and management of canopy gaps such as glades and firebreaks, but little is known about the ecological value of these features. We investigated the effects of scrub clearance and livestock grazing on habitats and plant communities in pine plantation firebreaks at Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve, Merseyside. The results were compared with nearby open dunes, both unplanted and formerly afforested. Although the open dunes had significantly higher species richness, larger numbers of positive indicator species and significantly lower numbers of negative indicator species, the firebreaks showed signs of dune habitat and plant community recovery 10-14 years after creation. Greater similarity in plant community composition between firebreaks and open dunes occurred in quadrats subject to livestock grazing and/or regular scrub clearance. We conclude that managed canopy gaps within existing pine plantations can increase valuable dune habitat and provide an alternative where large-scale clear-felling is not feasible.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/7220

Restoring lowland heath through small-scale turf removal at Cooper’s Hill Nature Reserve, Bedfordshire

Hitchcock G.E. (2018), 15, 2-4

Preview

At Cooper’s Hill Nature Reserve, Bedfordshire, England, areas of mature heather Calluna vulgaris have been lost and replaced by dense grassy swards. We hypothesised that any heather seedlings would have difficulty competing with the grasses and tested this by removing the turf to expose the nutrient-poor sandy soil in seven small plots across the reserve. These plots, together with control areas, were monitored annually to determine which vegetation types would re-establish. Five plots also received seed-rich brash (cut heather) on half of each plot to determine whether additional seeding of stripped areas was required. Analysis of the data collected over the first five years indicates that the technique increased the amount of heather seedlings establishing, as measured by percentage heather cover. Adding seed rich brash had no effect, implying a good amount of viable heather seed is present in the soil at this site. Grasses are also establishing in the stripped areas but are not dominating the plots.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/6846

The use of bud caps (leading shoot tree guards) to relieve browsing pressure in remote areas of Caledonian pinewood at Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve, UK

Painting A.I., Agnew J. & Rao S. (2018), 15, 5-5

Preview

Bud caps can be used to reduce browsing pressure on isolated Scots pine Pinus sylvestris seedlings in outlying areas of Caledonian pinewood.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/6847

Use of grazing and mowing to reduce the dominance of soft rush Juncus effusus in fen meadows in Scotland

Shellswell C.H. & Humpidge R. (2018), 15, 54-58

Preview

Three years of differing management regimes to reduce the dominance of soft rush Juncus effusus were undertaken at Moss Town Fen on the north-east Aberdeenshire coast, Scotland, UK. The effectiveness of grazing and mowing combinations of increasing intensity were trialled, from ungrazed and unmown management to continuous grazing and annual mowing for three years. Sward height and density, and rush cover were surveyed to examine the effect of the management combinations. Forb, grass, bryophyte and bare ground cover were also monitored to understand whether the management treatments had any effect on these sward components. Continuous grazing with konik ponies and at least two years of mowing (either consecutively or with a gap year) reduced rush the most. The treatments had no consistent effect on forb, grass or bryophyte cover, which may be due to a time lag between the reduction in rush cover and the germination and growth of these sward components. Bare ground cover was low, at less than 1% in most of the treatments, negating any concern that the grazing intensity was having a negative impact on the delicate fen habitat. Anecdotal observations on waterfowl and lesser butterfly orchid Platanthera bifolia support the benefits of a grazing and mowing regime to reduce rush dominance. These results also identified that a cost saving could be made by slightly reducing the intensity of management regime.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/6950

Effect of varying coppice height on tree survival and ground flora in Brasenose Wood, Oxfordshire, UK

Wright I.R. & Bartel T.W. (2017), 14, 1-4

Preview

Coppicing is a commonly used management intervention to increase structural diversity in woodlands, but coppiced trees are vulnerable to browsing by deer. We investigated the effect of coppicing hazel stools at different heights on the survival of trees, and also the species richness of the ground flora. Plots were cut at experimental heights of 0.7 m and 0.8 m, with plots cut at 1.2 m and ground level as controls. All the stools cut at 1.2 m were alive five years after cutting. In the plots cut at 0.7 and 0.8 m, some shoots were eaten by deer but less than 10% of stools died. Less than 5% of stools in the plot cut at ground level survived.  After 7–8 years, coppicing at 0.7 m and 0.8 m supported a higher species richness of angiosperm ground flora than either of the control heights. We conclude that high-level coppicing offers a cost-effective opportunity to achieve a rotation frequency that increases tree survival and supports a diverse coppice-woodland angiosperm flora.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5913

 

Effect of reducing red deer Cervus elaphus density on browsing impact and growth of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris seedlings in semi-natural woodland in the Cairngorms, UK

Rao S.J. (2017), 14, 22-26

Preview

Fencing is the most commonly used management intervention to prevent damage to young woodland regeneration from deer. However, damage can also be prevented through reducing red deer numbers and alleviating browsing pressure. We investigated the effect of reducing red deer Cervus elaphus density on browsing impact and growth of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris seedlings at Mar Lodge Estate, Cairngorms, UK. Red deer numbers were reduced significantly between 1995 and 2016, and there was a concomitant significant reduction in deer pellet densities and browsing incidents. Positive growth of seedlings was small in the years soon after the deer reduction programme began, and was still being suppressed by browsing in 2007. However subsequently, seedling growth has increased as red deer numbers have been maintained below 3.5/km2. Red deer reduction appears to have been effective in reducing browsing impacts on Scots pine seedlings, allowing successful growth and establishment of regeneration.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/6153 

A comparison between the impacts of ploughing and minimum tillage on arable plant assemblages at Ranscombe Farm Reserve, Kent, UK

Moyse R.I. & Shellswell C. (2016), 13, 33-37

Preview

Land at Ranscombe Farm Reserve showed a build-up of biennial and perennial plants following a number years of conservation management for rare arable plants. The impacts of two different forms of cultivation were compared in order to understand how cultivation might be used to control this build-up, while maintaining the habitat for the rare arable plants for which the site is important. It was found that, in comparison with minimum tillage, ploughing produced lower overall plant cover but had no significant impact on the numbers of annual plant species, or on the number or population size of rare annual plant species. Plants considered to be problem species, such as creeping thistle Cirsium arvense and perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis, were not affected by the type of cultivation, but the abundance of these species did not appear to have a negative impact on those annual arable plants of conservation concern.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5566 

Changes in the vegetation of hay meadows under an agri-environment scheme in south Belgium

Piqueray J., Rouxhet S., Hendrickx S. & Mahy G. (2016), 13, 47-50

Preview

We monitored five-year changes in the vegetation of 31 hay meadows under an agri-environment scheme in Wallonia, Southern Belgium. Management included delayed mowing (in July) and fertilizer prohibition. It resulted in increasing cover of characteristic forbs (such as Leucanthemum vulgare, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea jacea) and oligotrophic grasses (Avenula pubescens, Festuca rubra), while the competitive grasses, such as Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense and Alopecurus pratensis, tended to decrease. We interpreted this as a vegetation shift from typical hay meadow to oligotrophic grasslands due to soil impoverishment following the current management. Both habitats are of conservation value. Despite these changes in the meadow plant communities, only one of the four criteria used by the Walloon administration to indicate hay meadow conservation status changed significantly over the six-year period. This was a decrease in the cover of species indicating high grazing intensity. The number and cover of characteristic plant species, and the cover of nitrophilous species, did not change significantly.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5867

 

Targeted conservation grazing using molasses to increase preferential consumption of old growth pasture grasses

Grange I.D. (2016), 13, 82-87

Preview

High conservation value grasslands, which are usually marginal and agriculturally poor, are often difficult to manage appropriately for biodiversity enhancement. A key management tool for this is conservation grazing, by which grazing intensity, timing and duration can be altered to suppress certain plant species, such as the more dominant grasses without impacting on other less competitive herbaceous ones. It has been suggested that the application of molasses to plant leaves could effectively encourage livestock to consume old and rank pasture grasses. This study assessed whether such an approach could be adapted to UK conservation grasslands, by using molasses to target grazing towards problem areas of dominant grass species. When Dexter cattle were exposed to areas of upright brome Bromopsis erecta and wood false-brome Brachypodium sylvaticum that had received a single application of molasses in the autumn period, no preference was shown for the treated plants. In the late winter period, however, cattle showed a significant preference for upright brome plants that had received two applications of molasses. Therefore, if consideration is given to the timing and frequency of molasses applied to target vegetation, it can be used as a conservation grazing management tool for some less palatable grasses.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5911

 

Vegetation response to the reintroduction of cattle grazing on an English lowland valley mire and wet heath

Groome G.M. & Shaw P. (2015), 12, 33-39

Preview

We report the results of a nine year study of the effects of restoring low-intensity cattle grazing on the post-fire recovery of vegetation on the lowland valley mire and wet heath of Folly Bog, Surrey, UK. Four distinct vegetation communities were studied, with repeated recording of quadrats (n = 652) inside and outside grazing exclosures. Species richness increased across the valley mire, largely as a result of grazing-induced decreases in purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea and litter and increases in bare ground. Uncompetitive liverworts and waterlogging tolerant graminoids were particularly favoured. Purple moor-grass and litter removal also encouraged the spread of bog-mosses Sphagnum spp., although trampling in the wettest vegetation resulted in locally severe damage to the moss layer. On the firmer substrates of the wet heath, there were no such deleterious trampling impacts. Here, both bog-moss cover and species richness increased significantly, largely due to suppression of shade-producing heather Calluna vulgaris and litter, and the maintenance of bare ground. Our results reveal that the resumption of low intensity cattle grazing had many positive conservation benefits. However, site managers need to consider grazing on a site-by-site basis and retain flexibility to change stocking times and levels as conditions dictate. Other forms of management to supplement grazing will most likely continue to be required.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5501

 

Meadow management increased plant species diversity in a species-poor, neutral grassland in Herefordshire, UK

Costley J. (2015), 12, 40-42

Preview

The effect of meadow management on plant species diversity was examined in a meadow in the west of England. In 2002 the meadow was assessed as species-poor. From 2002 to 2013 the meadow, along with 11 surrounding fields, was managed as a hay meadow, with grass being mown for hay in late July or early August each year and the aftermath then grazed by cattle. Vegetation surveys from 2002 and 2013 showed that the diversity of the meadow was significantly enhanced over the period of management, with ten additional meadow herb species becoming established by unaided colonisation. In consequence, a colourful, nectar-rich meadow has been created within the space of 11 years.  However, a number of species present on the farm that are more closely associated with old meadows have not yet colonised the field.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5502

 

Restoration of a degraded dry forest using nurse trees at Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Medawatte W.W.M.B.A., Amarasinghe J., Iqbal M.C.M. & Ranwala S.M.W. (2014), 11, 16-19

Preview

We determined the effect of over-storey nurse tree cultivation on species composition in a naturally regenerated dry forest in a dry zone arboretum in Sri Lanka. The forest had previously been abandoned shifting cultivated land. One area was restored using nurse trees, one area was restored without nurse trees, and one area was left unmanaged as a control. Species dominance, richness and diversity of regenerated trees were assessed within random plots in the three treatment types. Regenerated tree species richness and diversity were greater in the restored land with nurse trees than in the restored land without nurse trees or in the control area. Dry forest tree species were dominant in the plots with nurse trees, while light-demanding and competitive pioneer scrubland species were dominant in the plots without nurse trees and the control area. We suggest that monospecific tree plantations that have been established for reforestation or agroforestry purposes could be used as nurse trees for dry forest restoration.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5481

The creation of structural diversity and deadwood habitat by ring-barking in a Scots pine Pinus sylvestris plantation in the Cairngorms, UK

Agnew J.M. & Rao S. (2014), 11, 43-47

Preview

Fifteen-hundred Scots pine trees were ring-barked (as individuals, groups of five or 15) on Mar Lodge Estate, Scotland in order to create structural diversity and deadwood habitat in two plantations. A sample of 220 was monitored annually and compared with a control sample of 10 non ring-barked trees, to quantify structural changes as well as use by saproxylic invertebrates and woodpeckers. Eight years after ring-barking 26.1% (±6.13% S.E.) of the trees had snapped off and 2.4% (±1.37%) had fallen over completely; 48.0% (±12.5%) had lost 60-90% of their branches and 34.9% (±24.2%) had lost more than 50% of their bark. Additionally 98.5% (±0.92%) of the trees showed signs of wood boring invertebrates and 74.5% (±11.6%) were used by woodpeckers. Six species of beetle, four of which were saproxylic, and a single species of saproxylic fly were identified from fallen deadwood from the ring-barked trees. The control trees remained largely structurally unchanged and none were colonised by saproxylic invertebrates or woodpeckers. There were significant differences in structural change and use by woodpeckers between the two plantations but none in the occurrence of saproxylic invertebrates. Group size had no significant effect on colonisation, except for woodpeckers which used small groups of trees significantly more than larger groups. Ring-barking can provide an effective management tool to create structural diversity and deadwood habitat within a short period of time. However it is necessary to regularly repeat ring-barking in groups of different size in order to maximise structural variation and ensure niche diversity of such a dynamic substrate.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5487

Restoring species-rich grassland at New Grove Meadows, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK

Winder J.S. (2013), 10, 20-23

Preview

Concern over the decline in species-rich grassland in the UK has led to a focus on restoration. This study looks at the rate of natural colonisation of species into semi-improved grassland from adjacent unimproved species rich grassland over a 12 year period.  During this period the grassland had been managed traditionally with an annual hay cut followed by aftermath grazing and no input of fertilizer or farm yard manure.  During 2000 and 2012 vegetation surveys were carried out on two unimproved fields and two semi-improved fields.  These data were analysed for species-richness using two variables; Total species, and Wildlife Site Indicator species. A National Vegetation Classification survey was undertaken in 2012. Species-richness increased significantly in the semi-improved meadows during the study period.  These meadows now meet the criteria for Wildlife Site designation and the National Vegetation Classification community is shifting from MG6 to the target community MG5.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/4024

Impact of change in start date of grazing on limestone grassland communities, Deep Dale, Derbyshire, UK

Costley J. (2013), 10, 77-79

Preview

Deep Dale is situated within the carboniferous limestone area of the Peak District National Park.  The study site occupies an area of 36 hectares, representing the south-eastern slopes of the dale.  During the period from 1950 to 1996, the site was grazed by cattle, traditionally from the beginning of May each year.  Then, from 1997 to 2012, the grazing start date was delayed to the beginning of July in order to comply with the requirements of agri-environment schemes.  Repeat surveys indicate that this change in start date appears to have resulted in few pronounced changes to the vegetation.  Some areas of grassland on shallow soils (conforming to National Vegetation Community CG2d) have become more herb-rich with an increase in abundance of kidney vetch Anthyllis vulneraria, common milkwort Polygala vulgaris, devilsbit scabious Succisa pratensis and autumn gentian Gentianella amarella.  However, it appears that these changes are mainly associated with areas grazed preferentially (first) by livestock, whilst in an area of CG2d grazed later, fewer positive indicator species have shown an increase in their abundance and there are early signs of a decline in condition, including a decrease in the abundance of fairy flax Linum catharticum and an increase in the abundance of bryophytes.  Most significantly, areas of acid U4c grassland have shown a notable increase in the abundance of hawthorn Crataegus monogyna seedlings, and in the abundance of wavy hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/5371

 

Deadwood fencing used to protect broadleaved trees from deer browsing in the Cairngorms, Scotland

Bradfer-Lawrence T. & Rao S. (2012), 9, 72-78

Preview

At a site on Mar Lodge Estate, Scotland, a number of broadleaved trees were planted during the early 1990s. After fifteen years these trees were still barely higher than the tree tubes protecting them due to heavy browsing by deer. In 2004 a series of small exclosures were constructed around some of the trees using timber felled from a nearby conifer plantation. Fences were constructed with logs, which proved to be longer-lasting and sturdier than the woody debris used for protection elsewhere. The trees inside the exclosures are significantly higher than those which remain unfenced, and the ground vegetation has responded well. Deadwood fences have a number of benefits over traditional deer fencing: posing no threat to woodland grouse, having a lower visual impact in the landscape, and providing additional habitats for wildlife.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/3998

Establishment of a mobile sheep flock to maintain and improve mesotrophic species-rich grasslands in Fife and Falkirk, Scotland

Whyte A. (2010), 7, 44-51

Preview

The Scottish Wildlife Trust established a mobile flock of sheep to manage its Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designated grasslands in eastern Scotland. A programme of monitoring (quadrat sampling and 'Site Condition Monitoring') was established to record vegetation responses to sheep grazing over several years. The project has resulted in the sheep-grazed grasslands moving towards favourable condition in terms of target plant communities. It has highlighted the need to take a flexible and responsive approach to conservation grazing, and has demonstrated the usefulness and necessity of detailed monitoring in guiding changes to grazing regimes; the level of grazing 'fine-tuning' could not have been achieved, in this instance, using external graziers.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2316

Identifying effective treatments to reinstate heath vegetation on commercially extracted peatlands at Hobbister RSPB Reserve, Orkney, Scotland

Robertson J. (2010), 7, 123-129

Preview

Trials were undertaken to assess the effectiveness of various treatments aimed at reinstating heathland vegetation at Hobbister RSPB Reserve (Orkney Islands) on a denuded area where no vascular plant growth had occurred since peat had been extracted commercially over 30 years previously. A management history of Hobbister was collated and information (derived from a literature search of restoration techniques) combined with observations of physical conditions at the site, was used to develop a list of possible impediments to heathland vegetation regeneration. Based upon these findings, eight sets of treatments were designed and applied to trial plots devoid of vegetation in June 2006. Plots were surveyed in August 2009. A combination of peat dust, heath mulch and geojute gave best results with 80% cover of vascular plants (including 70% by heather Calluna vulgaris). Although two grass-seed addition plots had higher cover values (91 and 86%) these were dominated by one of the sown species (red fescue Festuca rubra). Peat dust plus heath mulch addition also produced good cover (40%) of Calluna. Adding fertiliser did not assist in target heathland plant species re-colonisation. On the untreated control plot, vascular plant cover remained at zero.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2328

 

Introduction of water buffalo Bubalus bubalis to recently created wetlands at Kingfishers Bridge, Cambridgeshire, England

Gulickx M.M.C., Beecroft R.C. & Green A.C. (2007), 4, 43-44

Preview

At a newly created wetland nature reserve in eastern England, a pair of water buffalo Bubalus bubalis was introduced with the aim of maintaining early successional habitats and creating a heterogeneous vegetation structure. The water buffalo grazed the required parts of the fen and reedbed, and created submerged tracks. These tracks may be used by fish to disperse into the reedbed and provide foraging areas for bitterns Botaurus stellaris.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2256

 

Recovery of sections of river bank using willow Salix barriers along the River Cam at Kingfishers Bridge, Cambridgeshire, England

Gulickx M.M.C., Beecroft R.C. & Green A.C. (2007), 4, 45-48

Preview

Barriers made from willow Salix spp. bundles were installed along sections of the River Cam to protect the river banks from erosion. Subsequently, a more gently sloping river bank was created which was colonised by a range of riparian plants. These vegetated margins developed into an attractive wildlife habitat and are effectively protecting these river bank sections from further erosion.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2257

The addition of artificial macrophytes in an attempt to improve water quality at Barton Broad, Norfolk, England

Kelly A. (2006), 3, 44-46

Preview

Artificial macrophytes have been suggested as a means of improving water quality by providing zooplankton refugia. Plastic brushes provided a short term reduction in phosphates as they were absorbed by the periphyton growing on the brushes. They also provided a refuge for invertebrates. After two years, the brushes became colonised by sponges, which greatly reduced their long term usefulness as invertebrate habitat.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2217

Using pre-planted pallets to stabilise an area of nutrient rich silt at Cockshoot Broad, Norfolk, England

Kelly A. & Southwood R.R. (2006), 3, 68-70

Preview

Native wetland species were planted within coir pallets to encourage plant colonisation along a shallow wetland margin in an attempt to improve water quality. Although some species initially grew well they were unable to withstand a period of hot weather and low water levels.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2225

Restoration of the littoral margin by removing trees from the lake edge at Cockshoot Broad, Norfolk, England

Kelly A. & Southwood R.R. (2006), 3, 71-72

Preview

Removal of overhanging alder Alnus glutinosa and grey sallow Salix cinerea carr from the edge of an East Anglian broad led to a vigorous growth of riparian plants around the water's edge.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2226

The creation of a floating island of native vegetation at Barton Broad, Norfolk, England

Kelly A. & Southwood R.R. (2006), 3, 73-74

Preview

An island made of coir pallets supported by PVC floats was created with the objectives of producing an island of emergent vegetation and to cover a navigation hazard. Many of the planted species grew well and resulted in a reasonable cover of emergent vegetation. The island edges needed replanting where eroded by wave action.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2227

Restoration of the littoral margin by removing trees around Hoveton Broad, Norfolk, England

Kelly A. & Southwood R.R. (2006), 3, 75-76

Preview

Removal of alder Alnus glutinosa and grey sallow Salix cinerea carr from the edge of Hoveton Great Broad led to restoration of vegetation around the littoral margin; after removal of trees from some of the wetland edge emergent littoral plants showed vigorous growth.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2228

The creation of a new saline lagoon as part of a flood defence scheme at Freiston Shore RSPB Reserve, Lincolnshire, England

Badley J. & Allcorn R.I. (2006), 3, 99-101

Preview

A 15 ha saline lagoon was created in 2002 as part of a flood defence scheme at a site on the east coast of England. It has subsequently been used by a range of wintering and breeding waders and waterfowl.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2237

Creating acid grassland by adding sulphur and re-seeding at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk, England

Ausden M. & Kemp M. (2005), 2, 13-15

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Former arable land at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, eastern England, was treated with sulphur, herbicide was applied to control weeds, and seeds were sown in an attempt to create acid grassland. Soil pH was reduced and acid grassland target species dominated the vegetation three years after seeding.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2138

Using sulphur and iron oxide to aid creation of acid grassland at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk, England

Ausden M. (2005), 2, 16-17

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Nine samples of soil were taken from former arable land at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk, England. Sulphuric acid and iron was added. The pH of the soil was reduced, but the iron addition did not appear to have an affect on reducing the quantity of extractable phosphorus.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2139

Creating acid grassland by sheep grazing and natural reversion at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk, England

Ausden M. & Kemp M. (2005), 2, 18-20

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On former arable land at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, eastern England, sheep grazing was introduced with the objective of creating acid grassland. Seven years after the introduction of a grazing regime, the fields had lower cover and species-richness than the existing adjacent acid grassland.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2140

Creating acid grassland by adding sulphur, bracken Pteridium litter and heather Calluna cuttings at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk, England

Ausden M. & Kemp M. (2005), 2, 21-23

Preview

An attempt was made to convert a former arable field to acid grassland. Elemental sulphur, bracken Pteridium aquilinum litter and heather Calluna vulgaris clippings were added and the area grazed with sheep. Over seven years the target acid grassland species cover increased considerably to 60.7%. Adjacent existing acid grassland had 85.6% cover of these species.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2141

Creating heathland by adding sulphur, and heather Calluna and bell heather Erica cuttings at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk, England

Ausden M. & Kemp M. (2005), 2, 24-25

Preview

Sulphur and clippings of heather Calluna vulgaris and bell heather Erica cinerea were added to an area of former arable land with the objective of creating heathland. Nine years later these two species had both become well established.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2142

Botanical monitoring of restored lowland wet grassland at Campfield Marsh RSPB Reserve, Cumbria, England

Lyons G. (2005), 2, 43-46

Preview

Former cattle-grazed grassland and arable land were converted into wet grassland by raising the water level. Over the next five years the vegetation shifted towards plant communities characteristic of wet grassland.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2151

Raising water levels to revert arable land to grazing marsh at Berney Marshes RSPB Reserve, Norfolk, England

Lyons G. & Ausden M. (2005), 2, 47-49

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At Berney Marshes RSPB Reserve, water levels were raised, foot drains were added, and grazing by sheep was introduced. The plant communities shifted towards communities' characteristic of lowland wet grassland. Breeding wading bird numbers increased in response to these habitat changes.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2152

Mechanical hedge-laying for wildlife, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire, England

Dodds M.J.W. (2005), 2, 55-56

Preview

A faster and cheaper method of hedge-laying to benefit wildlife using a mechanical hedge laying technique has been developed. In comparison to traditionally laid hedges, those mechanically laid are broader at the base, thicker, taller, retain more deadwood and flower and fruit every year.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2155

 

The effect of introducing cattle grazing to saltmarsh on densities of breeding redshank Tringa totanus at Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve, Lincolnshire, England

Ausden M., Badley J. & James L. (2005), 2, 57-59

Preview

The effects of introducing cattle grazing to a saltmarsh on breeding redshank Tringa totanus were investigated. The density of breeding redshank did not noticeable change after introduction of grazing.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2156

Effects of adding barley straw to a saline lagoon on benthic invertebrate food supply for birds at Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk, England

Ausden M. & Hawkins I. (2005), 2, 64-65

Preview

The effects of adding organic matter (barley straw) on aquatic invertebrate food supply for waterbirds in an artificial saline lagoon in eastern England was investigated. The addition of barley straw resulted in an increase in benthic invertebrate biomass the following year, but was not considered a successful long-term management strategy to boost invertebrate populations.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2160

Restoring heathland vegetation by turf-stripping wavy hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa dominated grassland at The Lodge RSPB Reserve, Bedfordshire, England

Wilton-Jones G. & Ausden M. (2005), 2, 66-67

Preview

To restore an area of former heathland, soil nutrient levels were reduced by turf removal. Turf-stripping reduced dominance of wavy hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa and promoted an increase in heather Calluna vulgaris.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2161

Restoring heathland by removing birch Betula woodland and adding heather Calluna vulgaris seed at The Lodge RSPB Reserve, Bedfordshire, England

Wilton-Jones G. & Ausden M. (2005), 2, 68-69

Preview

In order to restore heathland, birch Betula trees were cleared, the humic layer was removed, and heather Calluna vulgaris seeds were spread out over the restoration area. Two years later there was a good growth of young heather plants with 5-10% cover seven years after the intial clearance, whilst some areas were dominated by wavy hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2162

 

Restoring heathland by conifer plantation removal at The Lodge RSPB Reserve, Bedfordshire, England

Wilton-Jones G. & Ausden M. (2005), 2, 70-71

Preview

In order to restore heathland, Douglas fir Pseudotsuga menziesii and Scots pine Pinus sylvestris was removed, and thereafter three treatments were applied: i) no soil removal or seed addition, ii) seeding with heather Calluna vulgaris, iii) removal of humic layer and seeded with heather. There was little or no heather establishment in untreated areas; heather establishment and growth was good in one seeded area (15% cover) but not the other; where humus had been removed and seed added the area was dominated by common bent grass Agrostis capillaris (50% cover), Campylopus introflexus (20%) and juniper hair-moss Polytrichum juniperinum (13%); very little heather (<1% cover) had established.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2163

Addition of sulphur to agricultural fields to restore heathland, Trehill Farm, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Day J. (2005), 2, 86-88

Preview

Former arable fields were treated by removing the topsoil, adding sulphur and applying seed-rich cuttings of heather Calluna vulgaris, bell heather Erica cinerea and western gorse Ulex gallii using a muck spreader. After soil stripping an interesting plant community developed including some less frequent or rare species. Both heather species and western gorse germinated. Soil pH a year after the sulphur addition was 5.6 where applied at rate of 4t/ha and 4.2 where applied at 8t/ha.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2170

Restoration of degraded Molinia caerulea dominated moorland in the Peak District National Park Eastern moorlands, Derbyshire, England

Smith D. & Bird J. (2005), 2, 101-102

Preview

An area dominated by purple moor grass Molinia caerulea was burnt, flail mowed, heather seed was added, and then grazed. Heather Calluna vulgaris seedlings were observed the next summer and grazing kept Molinia growth in check.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2177

 

Mechanical clearance of maritime pine Pinus pinaster using a shear-head timber processor at Barnsfield, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 105-106

Preview

At a site in southern England in September 2004, about 4 ha of mature, dense, non-native, maritime pine Pinus pinaster was cleared using a shear-head timber processor. One year later in August 2005, the cleared area was predominantly covered in purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea (approx. 80% cover). The remaining 20% was either bare ground (approx. 15%) or mature heather Calluna vulgaris and gorse Ulex plants (less than 5% cover) present prior to clearance, but no heather seedlings were found. There was no evidence of any pine regeneration.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2179

Controlled burning of heathland vegetation at Blackhill SSSI, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 111-112

Preview

Approximately one third of a hectare of mature heather Calluna vulgaris was burnt in January 2000. Five years later, the burnt strip was revisited. It had fewer heather flowers and the sward was shorter (20-25 cm) than the surrounding vegetation (35-40 cm). Bristle bent grass Agrostis curtisii was more abundant (25% cover) than in adjacent unburned areas (5%).

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2182

 

Cutting of lowland heathland using a double-chop forage harvester at Trigon, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 113-114

Preview

A forage harvester was used to cut swathes of heathland vegetation at a site in southern England to increase habitat heterogeneity. Areas selected were predominantly dry heath or on the margins of humid heath and were cut to ground level. Six years later the cut areas were still clearly visible. In a humid heath area purple moor-grass Molinia caerulea had been greatly reduced, heather Calluna vulgaris had increased slightly, and open patches of bare ground (important for early successional plants) were present. On dry heath, heather cover was reduced substantially but the shorter and more open sward had allowed lichen communities to develop.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2183

Gorse Ulex europaeus coppicing at Blackhill, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 115-116

Preview

On a heathland in southern England, mature gorse Ulex europaeus was coppiced and the area fenced to prevent rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus browsing in an attempt to create a varied gorse age structure. Twelve years later little gorse had regrown from the cut stumps and the cleared area had been invaded by bracken Pteridium aquilinum.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2184

 

Mechanical clearance of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and maritime pine P. pinaster using a shear-head processor at St Leonards SSSI, Hurn, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 117-118

Preview

Approximately 0.5 ha of dense Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and maritime pine P.pinaster woodland was cleared using a shear-head timber processor with the objective of restoring heathland. Prior to clearance the area supported little heathland vegetation and was predominantly bare ground with some bracken Pteridium aquilinum, underneath the thick pine canopy. One year after clearance, there was deep litter layer (7-8 cm), little regeneration of heather Calluna vulgaris, and bracken was becoming dominant.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2185

 

Clearance of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris to restore heathland at Hurn, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 119-119

Preview

In January 2002, with the aim being to reinstate heathland vegetation, an area of 0.75 ha was cleared of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and some maritime pine P.pinaster trees. Prior to clearance the area supported little heathland vegetation, predominantly comprising bare ground with some bracken Pteridium aquilinum. Three and a half years after clearance, the area supported a range of common generalist, non-heathland plant species, and was being invaded by silver birch Betula pendula saplings.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2186

 

Ring-barking of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris trees to create standing deadwood on heathland at Great Ovens, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 123-124

Preview

Two adjacent mature Scots pine Pinus sylvestris trees were ring-barked using a chainsaw. Five years later, both trees had died. One tree had blown over just above the ring-bark cuts, leaving a jagged stump 1.25 m high; the other tree had lost its crown, resulting in 10 m of standing deadwood. Saproxylic invertebrates had colonised and great spotted woodpeckers Dendrocopus major had used the taller ring-barked stump for nesting. This management method proved to be a low-cost and easy way to produce standing deadwood.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2188

Tree and scrub clearance from heathland at Blackhill SSSI, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 125-126

Preview

During the winter of 1995-1996 on a heathland in southern England, 1.6 ha of invading silver birch Betula pendula (40% cover) and gorse Ulex europaeus were cleared using chainsaws and burnt on site. Ten years later, the cut birch and gorse stumps were still visible; the area was largely covered in dense bracken Pteridium aquilinum (average cover of 70% over 5 plots), the only gaps being the fire sites (predominantly bare) and a few patches of purple moor grass Molinia caerulea. Little heather Calluna vulgaris was present and there was considerable evidence of birch regeneration, suggesting that further management would be necessary to prevent invasion by scrub.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2189

 

Pine scrub clearance by school children to restore heathland at Trigon, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 127-128

Preview

In 1991, 5.7 ha of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris scrub was removed from a heathland in southern England. Trees with diameters less than 25 cm were cut using bow saws and loppers; mature trees were left untouched. Fourteen years later, the area could still be identified by the presence of cut stumps; considerable pine regeneration (330 trees/ha) was apparent as there had been no ongoing management.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2190

 

Tree and scrub clearance from lowland heathland at Great Ovens, Dorset, England

Liley D. (2005), 2, 133-134

Preview

An area of about 13 ha of former open heathland in southern England was cleared of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris, maritime pine P.pinaster and birch Betula spp.; prior to management it contained 50-75% scrub and mature tree cover. Clearance was conducted using chainsaws; brash was burnt. Five years later, there was considerable evidence of pine regeneration (2,600 seedlings per ha). To maintain open heath, control of tree seedlings is required after tree clearance.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2194

 

Dredging and excavation of ponds to enhance habitat for starfruit Damasonium alisma on Downley and Naphill Commons, Buckinghamshire, England

Showler A.J. (2004), 1, 6-7

Preview

Dredging the silt from two old ponds in southern England (one in which the nationally endangered starfruit Damasonium alisma had recently been rediscovered) resulted in dramatic initial results, with many starfruit plants appearing. A subsequent rapid fall off in numbers suggests that seeds appear to germinate best on exposed sediment on drying margins and continuous low-level disturbance management is probably desirable.

https://conservationevidencejournal.com/reference/pdf/2125

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