An investigation into grazing impacts by New Forest herbivores on inclosure and open woodland patch areas

Alexander, Anoushka; Lewis, Todd; Griffin, Rowland

Abstract

Several studies have researched the effects that ungulates can have on woodland ecosystems, however, limited applied research has been undertaken on the unique nature of the New Forest National Park. This research compares two small woodland parcels in the New Forest – one that herbivores are excluded from, and one that herbivores have access to. In both woodlands, data was collected on browse heights, plant species diversity, tree diameters, and light levels. Data was analysed using a multivariate Generalised Linear Models (GLM) to assess the significance of abiotic, ecological and impact factors. The results show that herbivores in the New Forest significantly impact woodland through browsing effects. The woodland that grazing herbivores had access to was shown to have significantly lower plant species diversity and abundance, demonstrating the influence of browsing effects over time. Such findings have implications for how nature reserves are managed using open and inclosure techniques across large national parks, where land is divided into parcels. Open areas may need to control for browsing depending on conservation aims. Further research to extend on this study should take into consideration seasonality.

• Report Type: Research Report
• Online Publication Date: Oct 13, 2023
• Publication Date: Oct 12, 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 13, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 17, 2023
• Keywords: Ecology, Grazing, New Forest, Inclosure, Woodland, Modelling
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11171200