Glensaugh Research Station
Glensaugh Research Station is situated at the eastern end of the Grampians and adjoins the Fettercairn-Cairn o' Mount road. Glensaugh lies within an altitudinal range of 120 and 450 metres above sea level and has an average annual rainfall of 1040 mm.
Soils
The Highland Boundary Fault divides the Research Station into two distinct geological zones. North of the fault the soils are of the Strichen Association developed on drifts derived from schistose rock: the brown forest soils and podzols of the lower slopes give way to peaty podzols and, on the highest ground, to peat. To the south of the fault the soils are developed on drifts derived from Old Red Sandstone: humus-iron podzols dominate the lower slopes and peaty podzols occur at higher elevations.
Land Resources
The research station comprises 865 hectares (ha) of semi-natural plant communities, 60 ha of predominantly rotational grassland and 88 ha of permanent pasture. On the alluvial soils of the valley bottom the semi-natural vegetation is dominated by species-rich Agrostis-Festuca grassland. This gives way to species-poor Agrostis-Festuca on the lower slopes, with bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) also present. The higher slopes are dry heather (Calluna vulgaris) moor, with blaeberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and bell heather (Erica cinerea) locally important. On the deeper peats at the highest altitude, cross-leaved heather (Erica tetralix) and cotton sedge (Eriophorum vaginatum) become co-dominant.
The predominantly rotational grassland is reseeded with perennial ryegrass and white clover mixtures every 7-10 years. This provides grazing for the crossbred ewe flock, swards for experimental work, silage for winter feeding and aftermath grazing for finishing lambs.
Livestock
Glensaugh carries 400 Scottish Blackface ewes (pure bred) and 400 crossbred ewes (crossed with Texel), in addition to a flock of 100 Cheviots (genetic study). In addition the farm carries 60 Blue-Grey spring-calving suckler cows mated to Charolais and Limousin bulls and 100 red deer breeding hinds.
There is housing for 80 cows and calves, 500 ewes and 100 red deer calves.
Research
Glensaugh has a suite of laboratories which are available for use by visiting workers, in addition to meeting rooms, office and computing facilities. Residential accommodation is also available on site for those who wish to stay, or who are engaged in longer term research projects.
Long-term Measurement and Monitoring of Change
Glensaugh Research Station is one of the 11 UK sites in the Environmental Change Network (ECN). Measurements are being made of the long-term changes in dry and wet aerial deposition, water quality, soil characteristics, vegetation and wildlife. The ECN is sponsored by several UK government departments and agencies, and The Scottish Government and its agencies.
Management Ethos
The primary land use activity at Glensaugh is commercial livestock farming. In line with industry trends, recent years have seen a reduction in stocking density and a corresponding reduction in inputs. The farm’s management team is committed to developing the sustainable future of Glensaugh’s resource base, reducing reliance on purchased inputs and securing future energy supply.
Sustainable Future
Recent work has focused on securing a source of renewable electrical power for the site and a 50kW wind turbine was commissioned in 2009, part funded by the Scottish Government Rural Priorities grant scheme (SRDP). The wind turbine became operational in early 2010. Restoration of the farm’s own water supply was completed in August 2009, ending the reliance on mains water.
SRDP funding will also assist in the planting of nine hectares of new woodland, bringing shelter and biodiversity benefits as well as creating a potential fuel source.
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