Showing papers in "Botanical Journal of Scotland in 2003"
TL;DR: In this paper, the status of surviving montane willow scrub on or adjacent to Ben Lawers NNR, referring to eight species of willow and juniper, was described, and the conservation work initiated since 1987 described, including its rationale and associated objective problems.
Abstract: Summary The paper describes the status of surviving montane willow scrub on or adjacent to Ben Lawers NNR, referring to eight species of willow and juniper. Most of these have no viable future on the Reserve. The evidence and reasons for decline are discussed, and the conservation work initiated since 1987 described, including its rationale and the associated objective problems. Intervention with fencing and planting is intended to test the feasibility of restoring a viable scrub community, with the proximate objective of reestablishing seed-producing populations of the respective species. The long term and uncertain nature of the work is discussed. Plant names used are according to Stace (1991).
15 citations
TL;DR: The role of management intervention in pinewoods is discussed in this article, where the authors investigate ways of increasing blaeberry Vaccinium myrtillus in forest areas, and increasing tree regeneration at the forest edge.
Abstract: Summary Native pinewoods are fragmentary in extent and floristic integrity. In maintaining and extending these remnants, managers should recognise the diversity of potential communities and the unique mix of species in their flora. At the RSPB Abernethy Forest Reserve management aims to develop a self sustaining forest of natural character over the potential woodland area. A present-natural forest provides one model for the attributes and processes, which this forest should contain. Habitat management experiments have recently commenced investigating ways of increasing blaeberry Vaccinium myrtillus in forest areas, and increasing tree regeneration at the forest edge. The possible wider role of management intervention in pinewoods is discussed.
14 citations
TL;DR: Actively evolving groups often contain a series of localised lineages, as well as complex populations that exhibit atypical levels of morphological diversity that do not fit well into a ‘standard’ species-based conservation system.
Abstract: Summary Groups of plants that are undergoing active diversification often do not fall into neat and tidy taxonomies. In such groups it can sometimes be very difficult to establish what does, and what does not, constitute a species. This presents problems for species-based conservation programmes that are based around prioritised species-lists (e.g. the UK Biodiversity Action Plans; BAPs), particularly as the inclusion or exclusion of taxa on these lists largely determines the allocation of conservation resources. This is an important issue as almost half of the BAP priority higher plant species for which Scotland has prime responsibility are taxonomically controversial. Recent research using population genetic approaches to tackle some taxonomically complex plant groups has enhanced our understanding of their biology. Such approaches provide objective and independent assessments of whether a given entity is distinct or not. This information can then be used to contribute towards the decision making proces...
14 citations
TL;DR: The nature and distribution of the machair sand dune plant communities of the north and west of Scotland are reviewed in this article, emphasising their botanical interest for conservation, particularly the Machair Habitat Action Plan (HAP) and the existing Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme.
Abstract: Summary The nature and distribution of the machair sand dune plant communities of the north and west of Scotland are reviewed, emphasising their botanical interest for conservation. Recent conservation initiatives are discussed, particularly the Machair Habitat Action Plan (HAP) and the existing Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme. Research into phytosociology and habitat inventory has revealed significant new machair vegetation types and the relevance of the results to provision of information for conservation planning and decision-making is evaluated. Successful conservation depends on three important issues: current crofting practices and trends, past machair management, and the dynamic interactions between ecology and geomorphology. Research into the functioning and dynamics of machair communities is very limited. Research into post-disturbance vegetation recolonisation following cultivation is described, along with information on seed banks/seed rain and the effects of repeated burial on the ...
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the significance of the Scottish lichen flora is outlined within the context of the British Isles and Europe, prompting a cautionary note on an over-reliance of assessing conservation importance using national Red Data Book categorisations.
Abstract: Summary The significance of the Scottish lichen flora is outlined within the context of the British Isles and Europe, prompting a cautionary note on an over-reliance of assessing conservation importance using national Red Data Book categorisations. The conservation needs of lichens and their habitats, from ‘gardening’ to landscape management are discussed.
13 citations
TL;DR: Scottish flora has an internationally important bryophyte flora, with the oceanic element in the authors' flora is the most important, withThe b Bryophyte communities of broadleaf woodland and montane heath being of particular significance.
Abstract: Summary Scotland has an internationally important bryophyte flora. The oceanic element in our flora is the most important, with the bryophyte communities of broadleaf woodland and montane heath being of particular significance. Until recently, all management for bryophyte conservation has been incidental; with bryophytes possibly benefiting from measures for the protection of the habitats in which they occur. Conservation interest in bryophytes as a result of wildlife legislation and the production of action plans has given an impetus to species conservation. So far this has been limited to baseline surveys, necessary because of the lack of knowledge of the status of most of the species involved. The small size and critical nature of the plants means that even basic survey work is problematic, the problems differing from species to species. Implementation of the action plans will need more autecological studies of some species and possibly some direct action for a small number with critical populations. L...
11 citations
TL;DR: A purplish brown-spored, gasteroid basidiomycete found in association with Psilocybe semilanceata in Midlothian, Scotland is shown by molecular methods to be only a morphotype of P. semilancesata.
Abstract: Summary A purplish brown-spored, gasteroid basidiomycete found in association with Psilocybe semilanceata in Midlothian, Scotland is shown by molecular methods to be only a morphotype of P. semilanceata. The significance of the results in relation to many similar sequestrate collections of so-called members of the genera Cyttarophyllum, Galeropsis, Gastrocybe and Weraroa in national herbaria are investigated.
8 citations
TL;DR: The UK holds approximately 13% of the total global resource of blanket bogs, of which the bogs of Caithness and Sutherland form the largest and most intact area as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Summary The blanket bogs of Caithness and Sutherland are the finest examples of their type in the world. Restricted to a few parts of the world where cool, oceanic climatic conditions prevail, Britain holds approximately 13% of the total global resource of blanket bog, of which the bogs of Caithness and Sutherland form the largest and most intact area. In recent times, extensive areas of the peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland have been damaged – principally through drainage and forestry. In 1994, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) purchased Forsinard Estate in the heart of the peatlands as part of a EU LIFE funded project on blanket bog conservation. In partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage and Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, this four year RSPB led project promoted a number of initiatives on awareness raising and ecotourism as well as a range of practical demonstrations on restoring damaged blanket bog. More recently, a follow up LIFE Peatlands Project was launched in 2001 ...
7 citations
TL;DR: The diverse ways in which population genetic analysis can be used to develop effective species conservation policies are outlined to reinforce the need for a conservation policy that embraces change over time.
Abstract: Summary The objective of this paper is to outline the diverse ways in which population genetic analysis can be used to develop effective species conservation policies. Studies of the geographic distribution of genetic markers have provided us with novel insights into the origins of the Scottish flora. The results reinforce the need for a conservation policy that embraces change over time. Investigations of quantitative characters have demonstrated the existence of substantial local adaptation of plant populations within Scotland. This has implications for conservation management involving transplantation and restoration. Analysis of the diversity and distribution of genetic markers within populations of rare and declining Scottish species have highlighted populations that are of particular conservation concern, and assisted in developing management guidelines for these species. Current research centres on understanding and modelling the genetic behaviour of fragmented populations. Key issues include the a...
7 citations
TL;DR: Suggestions are put forward for sympathetic conservation of this habitat, whilst at the same time recognising the need to promote more research to investigate the relict woodland status of the Atlantic Hazelwoods.
Abstract: Summary Atlantic Hazelwoods form a distinctive (yet apparently over-looked) habitat that appears to be unique to western Scotland and, to a lesser degree, western Ireland. The origins of this habitat appear to date from the early Holocene, and there is compelling evidence that some stands may have existed in unbroken succession for 10,000 years. Recognition of the potential relict status of some areas of hazel gradually emerged as a result of several decades of study of the lichen flora. The smooth bark of hazel in western Scotland is known to support a species-rich and specialised lichen community (the Graphidion), including rare, endemic and old woodland indicator species. However, the full expression of this community is found to occur only in certain stands: often coastal, with no (or very few) other trees or shrubs present, and with a long history, but with little evidence of intensive exploitation. Seeking further evidence to back up the relic status of these Atlantic Hazelwood stands proved elusive...
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the Montane Scrub Action Group proposes a method of prioritising sites in order to develop a strategic action plan for restoration, and the Action Group plans to enlist the assistance of hill users to improve our knowledge.
Abstract: Summary This paper summarises activity for the restoration of treeline woodland and montane scrub in Scotland over the last six years and into the near future. It concentrates on promotional activity by the Montane Scrub Action Group, but also includes restoration activities by other bodies. In recognising constraints on resources it proposes a method of prioritising sites in order to develop a strategic action plan for restoration. Better knowledge of the condition of sites will be fundamental to the final stages of such planning and the paper introduces Action Group plans to enlist the assistance of hill users to improve our knowledge.
TL;DR: Although Scotland's vascular plant flora is depauperate in comparison with that of Mediterranean countries, it has a particularly rich bryophyte and lichen flora of international importance, which needs to be considered to include a broader spectrum of the flora.
Abstract: Summary Although Scotland's vascular plant flora is depauperate in comparison with that of Mediterranean countries, it has a particularly rich bryophyte and lichen flora of international importance. It is a country with great habitat diversity including unique habitats like the woodlands and mountains of the west coast. Conservation of plant species and habitats in Scotland has been directed through targeted action plans since 1995. Analyses have been made of their effectiveness and of the research needs arising from these targets. Monitoring and survey work are essential for effective target setting, and for reviewing progress. Important cross-cutting issues include the science for conservation and genetic diversity, ecosystem function, the impact of non-native species and climate change. The Biodiversity Action Plan process has proved to be an effective tool. However, we also need to consider a broader spectrum of the flora, to include other key habitats or species with Scottish populations of internati...
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey of fungal diversity in conifer plantations, hydnoid (tooth) fungi, grassland fungi, and the Mar Lodge Estate is presented, which indicates that some of the fungal communities of Scotland are of international conservation importance.
Abstract: Summary In recent years, fungal conservation in Scotland has made substantial progress, particularly as a result of field surveys undertaken in support of the Biodiversity Action Plans developed for selected species. Results are presented from four recent surveys: (i) fungal diversity in conifer plantations, (ii) hydnoid (‘tooth’) fungi in coniferous forests, (iii) grassland fungi, (iv) fungal survey of the Mar Lodge Estate. These surveys have substantially improved knowledge of the conservation status of a number of threatened taxa, and have also provided insights into patterns of fungal diversity at a range of scales. The results indicate that some of the fungal communities of Scotland, such as those associated with unimproved grasslands, are of international conservation importance. The implications of the survey results for conservation management are discussed, and suggestions are made regarding priorities for future work. In particular, there is a need to provide conservation managers with guidance ...
TL;DR: Although, for various reasons, their interests moved away from vegetation mapping towards plant-environment interactions, ecological processes, and vegetation dynamics, Smith's work had laid the foundations for a series of important studies of Scotland's plant communities, including those of E.L. Robertson, M.D. Poore, D. McVean and D. Ratcliffe.
Abstract: Summary Robert Smith and his brother William (W.G.) were described by Tansley (1939) as ‘the original pioneers of modern Ecology in Britain’. However, rather few are aware of R. Smith's important role in a revolution of Botanical science in Britain just over 100 yearsago. Smith entered the University College of Dundee (now the University of Dundee) as a student in 1893 and came under the influence of Patrick Geddes, then Professor of Botany, who appointed him Demonstrator in Botany as soon as he had graduated. Geddes encouraged his interest in the newly emerging science of plant ecology and, in particular, his programme for mapping the vegetation of Scotland. To this end, he arranged for Smith to spend some months in Montpellier, where he was much influenced by Professor C. Flahault's approach to vegetation mapping on the basis of recognisable associations of plant species. On his return to Scotland , he developed this theme and applied it to making vegetation maps in various parts of Scotland, regarding ...
TL;DR: A recent reassessment of the flora of Scotland has provided an estimate of 1000 native vascular plant species, excluding c.
Abstract: Summary A recent reassessment of the flora of Scotland has provided an estimate of 1000 native vascular plant species, excluding c. 350 microspecies in the genera Hieracium, Rubus and Taraxacum. The figure can only be approximate, as there are uncertainties about what constitutes a species and which accepted species are native. The total is lower than the equivalent totals for tropical or warm-temperate regions of similar area, and this almost certainly reflects the climatic differences between the regions as well as the recent glacial history of Scotland. The 50 oceanic species in Scotland are clearly important on a world scale; Scottish populations of species which are more widespread but currently declining in Europe may also be important but are difficult to identify in the absence of Europe-wide data on such floristic trends. Compared to other groups, the British ferns and fern-allies are extremely well represented in Scotland and flowering plants moderately well represented. The ferns include a larg...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed Scottish habitats in a European context and identified those recognisable as distinctively Scottish as well as others related to Scandinavian or European counterparts, and the bearing of this on site selection for nature conservation is discussed.
Abstract: Summary Scottish habitats are here reviewed in a European context. Examples are selected in order to identify those recognisable as distinctively Scottish as well as others related to Scandinavian or European counterparts. The paper begins with a resume of the main environmental influences in Scotland, then describes examples of habitats almost unique to, or best represented in Scotland. This is followed by reference to some distinctively western versions of more widely distributed habitats, and others corresponding to related types elsewhere. The bearing of this on site selection for nature conservation is discussed. Hitherto, in the UK selection for National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest has been based largely on the criteria listed in A Nature Conservation Review (Ratcliffe, 1977). It is important, however, also to review Scottish habitats in a European context, as attempted in this paper. In making proposals (now approaching completion) for Special Areas of Conservation, to ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the assessment of upland plant communities in the context of Scottish Natural Heritage's Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) programme is described, and problems and solutions associated with the identification of feature boundaries, quality attributes and targets, and sampling are discussed.
Abstract: Summary This paper describes the assessment of upland plant communities in the context of Scottish Natural Heritage's Site Condition Monitoring (SCM) programme. The quality of all notified features on all statutory designated sites will be monitored every six years, with the first national report being produced in 2005. Notified habitat features are largely defined in terms of plant communities. It is important to appreciate that plant communities are to some extent used as proxy indicators for wider interests. Upland monitoring will cover 973 specific vegetation features (grouped into just over thirty generic feature types) and 66 habitat assemblage features, spread over 223 sites and 6516 km2. Problems and solutions associated with the identification of feature boundaries, quality attributes and targets, and sampling are discussed. Three sets of assessment issues are selected for further discussion: first, appropriate species composition, and the use of direct and indirect targets; second, appropriate d...
TL;DR: Back from the Brink is Plantlife's practical conservation response to the current crisis of species loss and decline in Britain, targeting the wild plants and habitats that are seriously threatened in Scotland.
Abstract: Summary Back from the Brink is Plantlife's practical conservation response to the current crisis of species loss and decline in Britain, targeting the wild plants and habitats that are seriously threatened in Scotland. It currently includes 59 species of vascular and lower plants in Scotland, most of which are also biodiversity priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The programme combines laboratory and field research with hands-on management to achieve effective action for rare and threatened plants. Examples of action for three priority species are given: Linnaea borealis L., Pilularia globulifera L. and a group of stipitate hydnoid fungi. A major distribution study has been undertaken of Pilularia globulifera and positive conservation management has been undertaken at several sites. Work on the genetics of Linnaea borealis has given insights into its conservation management, and recent felling of timber in one plantation has provided a significant opportunity to learn more about the ec...
TL;DR: Several more years of recovery are needed before it can be decided if summer protection from grazing allows succession to woodland at these sites, where rowan saplings in the summer-protected plots were severely browsed by sheep each winter.
Abstract: Summary Seasonal grazing treatments were begun in 1990 on two sites of bilberry moorland that lay 60–200 m from a strip of riverside woodland in Northern England. Treatments were summer grazing, winter grazing, year-round and no grazing, fences being moved in mid April and mid October each year to open or close plots. The main plant species, Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium myrtillus, showed negligible response in cover or height to season of grazing, but colonisation by deciduous trees was much affected. On plots given summer protection (total area 2000 m2) 249 Sorbus aucuparia saplings were counted in 2000, together with one Quercus robur sapling, but no saplings were found in summer-grazed and year-round-grazed plots. Each winter the rowan saplings in the summer-protected plots were severely browsed by sheep, but they recovered in the next growing season. Their increasing trunk diameter and shoot increment up to 2000 suggested that some would soon escape herbivore control. But the fence ...
TL;DR: There might be a danger that overprotecting some habitats, by trying to maintain constant ideal management prescriptions, might be putting some species at risk, and conservation managers can resolve the apparent conflicts between management for different species by ensuring environmental variation in space and time.
Abstract: Summary The distributions of Scottish rare plants are well known and we have a good understanding of the communities and habitats in which they occur. But how do we ensure that populations are maintained or enhanced? The ecological processes that determine current population size and distribution must be understood. We review the type of information from monitoring that is required to assess change in species status and to guide conservation management. Managing for habitats must be the right approach to conserving species, but we need to take careful consideration of the individual requirements of different species. Environments fluctuate at a range of spatial and temporal scales; we review the evidence that rare plant species respond to such fluctuations. We consider that there might be a danger that overprotecting some habitats, by trying to maintain constant ideal management prescriptions, might be putting some species at risk. We believe that conservation managers can resolve the apparent conflicts b...
TL;DR: The conclusions set out in this paper represent the author's understanding of the issues raised and would reflect and be informed by the papers and the discussion by the wide constituencies of plant interest represented at the symposium.
Abstract: Introduction One of the planned outputs of the symposium was to identify major issues for plant conservation in Scotland. Such an emerging 'agenda' would reflect and be informed by the papers and the discussion by the wide constituencies of plant interest represented at the symposium and provide a basis for the first meeting of Plantlife LINK Scotland planned to be held in October 2002. The conclusions set out in this paper represent the author's understanding of the issues raised.
TL;DR: In this paper, a childhood in Dundee is described and consideration is given to the possible influence of his brother William and of the countryside of Angus and Ayrshire in forming his early interest in field botany and vegetation science.
Abstract: Summary Robert Smith (1874–1900) is credited with having made the first systematic ecological studies to be carried out in Britain. His childhood in Dundee is described and consideration is given to the possible influence of his brother William and of the countryside of Angus and Ayrshire in forming his early interest in field botany and vegetation science. His pioneering studies were encouraged by Patrick Geddes and D'Arcy Thompson, and later by Charles Flahault in Montpellier, so that Smith became an outstanding teacher and researcher at a time of momentous developments in the natural sciences.
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that hexavalent chromium toxicity was the most likely cause of poor birch growth and this was confirmed by an experiment on birch seedlings.
Abstract: Summary Summerford Bing is an old industrial site near Falkirk which was contaminated from about1860–1970 by chemical and other works. The industrial wastes were redistributed in a spoil heap about 300 m × 300 m in area. Drainage water from the heap was known to have high concentrations of chromium. An attempt to establish birch on the spoil heap's slopes has been partially successful but many of the trees were very stunted. Soil analyses showed that hexavalent chromium toxicity was the most likely cause of the poor birch growth and this was confirmed by an experiment on birch seedlings. Acute plant chromium toxicity is a rare phenomenon in Britain where it is always associated with anthropogenic soils. The possibility of the site's toxicity to humans is discussed and it is concluded that the site is potentially hazardous to health.
TL;DR: The study showed that there was no immediate threat to the populations of the two species but because of their isolated occurrence they are susceptible to extinction and should be carefully monitored.
Abstract: Summary The paper reports demographic studies of the endemic Cerastium nigrescens and the very rare Arenaria norvegica ssp. norvegica on the Keen of Hamar ultramafic outcrop on Unst, Shetland from June 1994 to November 1996. Plants of Cerastium nigrescens showed a Deevey type II curve and mature plants had a half-life of 3.8 years. Plants of Arenaria norvegica ssp. norvegica showed a Deevey type I curve with high mortality after flowering in the second year. There was some evidence of increased mortality during droughts but this had little impact on the total population. Seed production and seedling recruitment for both species was good throughout the study period. Seed bank measurements ranged from 12–13 m2 for Cerastium nigrescens and 24–43 m-2 for Arenaria norvegica ssp. norvegica. The study showed that there was no immediate threat to the populations of the two species but because of their isolated occurrence they are susceptible to extinction and should be carefully monitored.
TL;DR: Caesium137 was measured in collections of Lactarius blennius and Russula mairei made in September 1999 from the same sites in Central Scotland as material collected and analysed in 1987 and 1990.
Abstract: Summary Caesium137 was measured in collections of Lactarius blennius and Russula mairei made in September 1999 from the same sites in Central Scotland as material collected and analysed in 1987 and 1990. The results indicated that caesium137 is still present in the ecosystem at significant concentrations even after twelve years.
TL;DR: The UKBAP is potentially much stronger but depends on close collaboration between the conservation agencies and voluntary groups to fill the authors' skills gaps especially for lower plants, which are particularly poorly represented on existing citations.
Abstract: Summary Existing special mechanisms for the protection of plants are very limited in their scope. The UKBAP is potentially much stronger but depends on close collaboration between the conservation agencies and voluntary groups to fill our skills gaps especially for lower plants. Currently there are provisions for the list of UKBAP priority species to develop with changing needs only in England and Wales. Appropriate monitoring should increase the effectiveness of SSSI in protecting plants but plants will not be monitored on those sites where the citation fails to mention a valid plant feature. Lower plants are particularly poorly represented on existing citations. A change in the law in England and Wales permits citations to be revised there without site renotification. We could do more to effectively protect plants by targeting threatened plant populations by making small and isolated populations a priority for remedial management; by intervening when significant populations of a wider range of species a...
TL;DR: Examples taken from the range of current policies and laws are reviewed to illustrate both where these have been beneficial and where they have not been so successful for plant conservation.
Abstract: Summary There is a range of legislation and policy relating to plant conservation in Scotland, including international, European and domestic measures (Scottish Office, 1998). There are, in addition, opportunities and challenges for plant conservation as a result of devolution. This paper reviews examples taken from the range of current policies and laws to illustrate both where these have been beneficial and where they have not been so successful for plant conservation, and offers some views on what lessons have been learnt from these actions.