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Increasing Biodiversity

Increasing Biodiversity This is an example of the utilisation and combination of data to predict the optimal native woodland/scrub type depending on existing site conditions. The output is being used to help guide the development of Habitat Action Plans for different woodland types and ultimately increase biodiversity.

For example, the orange areas on the islands of Mull and Skye and on Morvern indicate areas most suitable for establishing ash and oakwoods. The soils are base-rich brown earths in contrast to much of the rest of the Western Highlands where large areas are predicted to remain unwooded on the acid poorly drained soils; the purple area in the northern part of Skye is land is assessed as having limited potential for native woodland.

Representing woodland potential on a map allows the user to see individual areas in the wider context and how habitat networks - how well do different woodland patches connect with each other? - might develop in the longer term.

Learning & Resources


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The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.