Dolman, P. & Fuller, R. 2003. The processes of species colonisation in wooded landscapes: a review of principles. In: The Restoration of Wooded Landscapes (Eds Humphrey, J., Newton, A., Latham, J., Gray, H., Kirby, K., Poulsom, E., Quine, C.), pp 25-36. Proceedings of a conference held at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, 14-15 September 2000. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

We review theoretical and empirical aspects of species dispersal and colonisation in relation to the creation of new native woodlands in Britain. The relevance of the 'meta-population' concept and the usefulness of linkage and movement corridors are questioned. Empirical evidence suggests that detrimental edge effects may have major consequences for the long-term conservation potential of re?created woodland. We argue that maximising woodland size and contiguity, in order to increase the core area and decrease the proportion of habitat close to external edges, should be a higher priority within restoration plans than the creation of corridors between isolated woods. Nonetheless, the ecological importance of habitat mosaics and long-established woodland edges needs to be recognised. Many specialist woodland species will take a very long time to colonise newly created woodlands. This is due to specialist habitat requirements, slow development of suitable habitat within recipient sites, and dispersal ability that may be intrinsically limited. Because of this, core areas should be concentrated around existing remnants of ancient and semi?natural woodland. Key areas for future research relevant to the colonisation and persistence of populations in restored woodlands include responses of different taxa to edges and the processes of species-specific dispersal.

Back to Publications 2003 Page