Management proposals for bilberry in Scots pine woodland

The abundance and height of three common shrubs (bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, cowberry V. vitis-idaea and heather Calluna vulgaris) in Scots pine Pinus sylvestris woodland in Scotland were studied in relation to irradiance and browsing by herbivores (deer). In particular, we were interested in how...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forest ecology and management 2006-02, Vol.222 (1), p.272-278
Main Authors: Parlane, S., Summers, R.W., Cowie, N.R., van Gardingen, P.R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Bilberry
Biological and medical sciences
Browsing
Calluna vulgaris
Cowberry
Forest management. Stand types and stand dynamics. Silvicultural treatments. Tending of stands. Natural regeneration
Forestry
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Heather
Irradiance
Pinus sylvestris
Scots pine
Shade
Stand types and stand dynamics. Silvicultural treatments. Tending of stands. Natural regeneration
Synecology
Terrestrial ecosystems
Vaccinium myrtillus
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Summary:The abundance and height of three common shrubs (bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus, cowberry V. vitis-idaea and heather Calluna vulgaris) in Scots pine Pinus sylvestris woodland in Scotland were studied in relation to irradiance and browsing by herbivores (deer). In particular, we were interested in how these variables could be manipulated in order to increase the abundance of bilberry, a species that contributes substantially to pinewood biodiversity. Bilberry cover was greatest at intermediate irradiance, which coincided with high crown forest stands, and was least in the thicket stages of forest development. It was also less abundant where there was a high level of browsing. By contrast, heather cover and height increased with irradiance. In order to increase bilberry in Scots pine woodland, and thereby enhance woodland for wildlife, managers should aim to match stand densities to particular tree heights to provide the best light conditions for bilberry, allowing it to compete successfully against heather. This may mean reducing tree densities in plantations, but increasing them in the more open stands of native pinewoods. Because browsing by deer appears to reduce bilberry abundance, it may also be important to reduce numbers of deer to increase bilberry.
ISSN:0378-1127
1872-7042
DOI:10.1016/j.foreco.2005.10.032