More than just some forest
The restoration of the Caledonian Pine Forest
Location: Abernethy Forest
The Assignment Phototeam
What will 2020VISION be doing?
Our photography will concentrate on capturing the essence and beauty of the Caledonian pine forest and its inhabitants and to document the important habitats within it. We will also interview and photograph the people involved with the management work with the forest.
When will 2020VISION be there?
- 16th to 20th October 2011
Where is it?
Abernethy Forest is situated between Aviemore and Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland.
Why is it important?
It is notable for its native pinewood, which is the largest in the UK, and which links in a continuous tract of pinewoods stretching south to Glenfeshie. It also contains important areas of bog woodland.
What's the project's aim?
To reverse the ecological degradation caused by over-grazing, recreating a self-sustaining native pine forest over the whole potential woodland area, by leaving existing woodland unmanaged and encouraging natural regeneration of pine and associated broadleaves extending up to the natural tree line.
Who's involved?
Abernethy is a SSSI, which is owned and managed by RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage.
What's happening there?
Grazing by sheep is no longer permitted and there has been a heavy deer cull to allow natural tree regeneration. Non-native conifers are being removed along with some Scots pines on areas of drained peatland. Water tables have been restored by blocking drains and infilling channels to re-wet areas of bog woodland.
Find out more
http://www.wetwoods.org/sites/abernethy.htm
