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Jenny OwenPhD Research StudentBA (Hons), BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology, Liverpool John Moores University (2002-2006) Supervisors: Start Date: 1st June 2007 tel: +44 1786
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Current Research Project
'Determinants of field layer vegetation in plantation restocks: consequences for black grouse conservation'
The dramatic decline of black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) in Great Britain during the 20th century is well documented and the species is now undoubtedly of high conservation concern. From being commonly regarded as a ‘pest species’ in the 19th century, breeding population declines of >50% during the past 25 years have resulted in the black grouse being placed on the UK Red Data List. The 1995/6 survey estimated the entire British population of spring-displaying males at 6,510 with 70% of these located in Scotland, in 2005 this number declined to 5100. Many English populations are now extinct. Population declines and range contraction in Scotland have been attributed to a number of factors: fragmentation and degradation of upland habitats due to agricultural improvements; increases in predators; afforestation; overgrazing by sheep and red deer, amongst others. Although a gamebird, there is currently a voluntary moratorium on shooting black grouse.
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Male black grouse |
Male black grouse displaying or 'lekking' to attract females |
Black grouse are regarded as birds of the early successional stages of forest and forest edge habitats, preferring pre-thicket woodlands or young plantations which often border moorland, heathland and grass-land mosaics. Between the 1950’s-70’s large areas of the Scottish uplands were commercially planted with conifers which provided a temporary suitable habitat for black grouse, resulting in a re-expansion of range. However, when the forest canopy began to close these areas became unsuitable, and in combination with factors listed above, the range has once again contracted.
Commercial forests in Scotland are generally managed on rotations of 40-60 years, after which they are often clearfelled and replanted or ‘restocked’. This project aims to find ways in which forest management can increase the usefulness of these restocks to black grouse. The main part of my study will concentrate on the determinants of field-layer vegetation following clearfell, and how this relates to previous management prescriptions, e.g. tree extraction from site, fallow periods following felling, and how these may be manipulated to produce more favourable habitat for black grouse. Chronosequences of restocks from year 1 through to canopy closure will be examined to determine how vegetation develops and the factors that affect this.
Loch Chon field site - clearfell in foreground and background with surrounding plantation
Loch Chon field site, Trossachs. Typical 3-year old restock in fore-ground, 12-year old closed canopy restock on right, mature 1950's plantation in background. Black grouse will only use pre-thicket habitat, prior to canopy closure.
Research interests
Previously an Ecologist in the Cairngorms, my main research interests lie in applied upland conservation biology and forestry. Previous work has included project management on the regeneration of native Scots pine forests in relation to deer browsing at Mar Lodge Estate, management of the red-listed narrow-headed ant (Formica exacta) project, investigations into deadwood creation in forestry plantations, and a variety of black grouse and raptor work. Prior to working in the uplands, I was involved in bat, small mammal and invertebrate research in relation to organic farming in Southern England, great-crested newt work in Eastern England, and worked on the Krebs Trial (badgers and TB) in Gloucestershire. My work has also taken me further afield to Malawi to study hippos and crop damage in farmland.
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'Locating black grouse broods with a pointer dog' |
'Radio-collared black grouse chick' |
Publications
Owen, J. In Prep. Winter activity of vespertilionid bats at a foraging site.
Owen, J. (2006) Mar Lodge Estate Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) regeneration - quadrat monitoring report. Report to National Trust for Scotland.
Owen, J. (2006) The Narrow-Headed Ant (Formica exsecta). Information leaflet for landowners and public. Scottish Executive/SNH
Owen, J. (2005) Mar Lodge Estate Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) regeneration - transect monitoring report. Report to National Trust for Scotland.
Outside Interests
Travelling, hill walking and camping in the Scottish Highlands, mountain biking, horse riding, skiing, dog training. Recently returned from a winter expedition to Mount Everest base camp, Nepal.
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