Stand structure and dynamics of four native Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) woodlands in northern Scotland

Stands in four native pinewoods (Glenmore, Black Wood of Rannoch,Glen Garry and Glen Affric) dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) with contrasting management histories and climates wereassessed for differences in age, structure and dynamics. Treeage, height, diameter at breast height (d.b.h.), basal area,stem density and x, y coordinates were used to compare the recruitmentof trees (>1.3 m height, >7 cm d.b.h.), saplings (>1.3m height, <7 cm d.b.h.) and seedlings (<1.3 m) followingdisturbance events and protection from browsing. There was a20-year lag between localized intensive cultivation and treerecruitment on sites that were protected from deer browsing(Glenmore and Glen Garry). Recruitment was low in sites withdisturbance but no protection (Black Wood of Rannoch). The oldestpopulation, Glen Affric, showed signs of initial intense recruitmentfollowed by a long period of nil recruitment. Abundant standingdead trees were recorded only in Glen Affric, and prolific birchand rowan only in Glen Garry. Managers should consider localizedintense cultivation in conjunction with a complete reductionin browsing pressure for rapid seedling recruitment and increasedstructural diversity.