Effects of season and intensity of sheep grazing on tree regeneration in a British upland woodland

Published source details Hester A., Mitchell F. & Kirby K. (1996) Effects of season and intensity of sheep grazing on tree regeneration in a British upland woodland. Forest Ecology and Management, 88, 99-106.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Reduce the intensity of livestock grazing in forests Action Link
	Shorten livestock grazing period or control grazing season in forests Action Link

Reduce the intensity of livestock grazing in forests

A replicated study in 1986-1993 in temperate woodland in the UK (Hester, Mitchell & Kirby 1996) found that reducing the intensity of sheep grazing increased the numbers of tree saplings. The number of saplings/100 m² was higher in low-intensity (0.54-0.66) than in high- and medium-intensity grazing plots. Four plots for each grazing intensity: high (2.1-3.8 sheep/ha); medium (1.2-2.0 sheep/ha) or low (0.6-1.2 sheep/ha) were established in 1986. Saplings (>30 cm diameter at breast height) were monitored in 2003 in 20 quadrats (10 × 10 m) within each plot.
Shorten livestock grazing period or control grazing season in forests

A replicated study in 1986-1993 in temperate woodland in the UK (Hester, Mitchell & Kirby 1996) found thatusingsummer instead of winter grazing increased the number of tree seedlings. The number of seedlings was higher following summer (8-17/100 m²) compared to following winter grazing (4-6/100 m²). Six summer (May-October) and six winter grazing (October-May) plots were established in 1986. Seedlings (>1 year old, <30 cm diameter at breast height) were monitored in 2003 in 20 quadrats (10 × 10 m) within each plot.