Andrew Nolan

Head of Ecology and Land Evaluation Unit
T: +44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)

Andrew is a research scientist with 29 years field experience in carrying out assessment of land resources throughout Scotland and the wider UK. His expertise ranges from soil survey, classification and sampling to the assessment of grazing and trampling impacts on upland vegetation. He has combined research interests in soils and upland ecology with extensive consultancy work for a wide range of government bodies, agencies and private clients.

Research

Andrew started his career working for the Soil Survey of Scotland, Macaulay Institute, carrying out soil surveys and land classification at a range of scales. He was also involved in the baseline sampling of the National Soils Inventory. His research interests in upland ecology led to a collaborative project with the Deer Commission Scotland (DCS) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to devise and test sampling strategies for carrying out assessment of grazing and trampling impacts over extensive upland areas. The outcome of this work greatly facilitated management planning by Deer Management Groups. He also has research interests in the effects of agri-environment schemes, native woodland regeneration and peatlands. He leads the Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Unit carrying out a range of consultancy work and is currently a principal investigator involved in the re-sampling of the National Soils Inventory and a wide range of core research and applied projects related to soil quality, land evaluation, peatland erosion, environmental change and the provision of soils data.

Publications

The following Publications have not yet been migrated to the James Hutton Institute's Pure service and relate to the research outputs from the two legacy organisations: The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and The Scottish Crop Research Institute.

Journals

  • Nayak, D.R.; Miller, D.R.; Nolan, A.J.; Smith, P.; Smith, J.U. (2010) Calculating carbon budgets of wind farms on Scottish peatlands., Mires and Peat, 4, Article No. 9, 1-23.
  • Pakeman, R.J.; Nolan, A.J. (2009) Setting sustainable grazing levels for heather moorland: a multi-site analysis., Journal of Applied Ecology, 46, 363-368.
  • Brewer, M.J.; Nolan, A.J. (2007) Variable smoothing in Bayesian intrinsic autoregressions., Environmetrics, 18, 841-857.
  • Albon, S.D.; Brewer, M.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Cope, D. (2007) Quantifying the grazing impacts associated with different herbivores on rangelands., Journal of Applied Ecology, 44, 1176-1187.
  • Brewer, M.J.; Elston, D.A.; Hodgson, M.E.A.; Stolte, A.M.; Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J. (2004) A spatial model with ordinal responses for grazing impact data., Statistical Modelling, 4, 127-143.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Stolte, A.M.; Hope, I.M.; Scott, R. (2003) Assessment of grazing and trampling impacts on rangeland for management planning by land managers and government agencies in Scotland, UK., African Journal of Range and Forage Science, 20, 123-124.
  • Nolan A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Still, M.J.; Madden, S.; Bell, J.S. (1998) Effects of excluding wild herbivores on the growth of small saplings in some woodlands within the Breadalbane and Loch Lomond Environmentally Sensitive Areas., Scottish Forestry, 52, 22-29.
  • Bayfield, N.G.; Nolan, A.J. (1998) Vegetation and soils of the Allt A’Mharcaith catchment, Cairngorm mountains., Scottish Geographical Magazine, 114, 18-21.
  • Henderson, D.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Madden, S.; Still, M.J. (1997) The effect of domestic livestock exclosure on broadleaved woodland regeneration in three Scottish Environmentally Sensitive Areas., Scottish Forestry, 51, 6-14.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Merrell, B. (1995) The vegetation dynamics of wet heather moorlands in relation to sheep grazing intensity., In: Heaths and Moorlands: Cultural Landscapes (eds. D.B.A. Thompson, A.J. Hester and M.B. Usher). HMSO, Edinburgh, pp174-179.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hulme, P.D.; Wheeler, D. (1994) The status of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull on Fair Isle., Botanical Journal of Scotland, 47, 1, 1-16.
  • Morrice, J.G.; Miller, D.R.; Gauld, J.H.; Nolan, A.J.; Hulme, P.D.; Birnie, R.V.B. (1990) Digital mapping for land cover studies., In: Evaluation of Land Resources in Scotland. Proceedings of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society Annual Symposium, Stirling, September 1989 (eds. J.S. Bibby and M.F. Thomas). Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, pp69-73.

Technical / contract reports

  • Bell, J.S.; Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 14 – Batten & Reelig Forest, Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Bell, J.S.; Henderson, D.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 13 – Lael Forest, North Highland Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Bell, J.S.; Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 12 – Strathyre Forest, Cowal and Trossachs Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Bell, J.S.; Henderson, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 11 – Glen Nevis Forest, Lochaber Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Bell, J.S.; Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 10 – Barcaldine Forest, West Argyll Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 9 – Callart Forest, Lochaber Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Bell, J.S.; Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D.; Beesley, L. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 8 – Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District (Boblainy, Loch Duich, Glen Urquhart and South Loch Ness Forest Blocks)., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 7 – Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District (Balmacara and Loch Duich Forest Blocks)., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Bell, J.S.; Henderson, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 6 – West Argyll Forest District (Ardmore Forest, North Mull)., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Bell, J.S.; Donnelly, D.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Troldborg, M.; Baggaley, N. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 5 – Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest District (Ardonald, Asloun, Ben Aigan, Corrennie, Kemnay Woods, Kinnoir and Rosarie and Greenhills Forest Blocks)., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Bell, J.S.; Nolan, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Donnelly, D.; Beesley, L.; Baggaley, N. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 4 – Tay Forest District (Foss/Tombreck, Frenich and Hallyburton Forest Blocks)., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 3 – Lochaber Forest District (Glen Righ Forest)., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Bell, J.S.; Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2011) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 2 – Inverness, Ross & Skye Forest District (Achnashellach, Auchmore & Clashwood, Batten and Reelig, Boblainy, Broadford, Enrick, Glenelg, Glen Brittle, Glen Shiel, Inchnacardoch, Inshriach, Kinloch Hills, Morriston, Slattadale and South Loch Ness Forest Blocks)., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Pakeman, R.J.; Lewis, R.; Kriel, A.; Moore, E.K.; Pemberton, C.; Gore, S.; Hewison, R.L.; Alexander, J.; Cummins, R.; Fielding, D.; Orford, K.; Mitchell, R.; Brooker, R.; Nolan, A.J.; Eastwood, A.; Huband, S. (2011) Detecting biodiversity change in a rare habitat: a botanical re-survey of the Machair., Final Report to the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (2010) National Soil Inventory of Scotland 1[NSIS_1]: soil location, sampling and profile description protocols(1978-1988)., Technical Bulletin, The Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen,51pp.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2010) Derivation and processing of land cover, vegetation and analytical data for Knowledge Enhancement phase of “Land Cover Mapping 2007” project., Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
  • Nolan, A.J.; Bell, J.S.; Henderson, D.J.; Donnelly, D. (2010) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 1 – North Highland Forest District (Achany and Balblair Forests)., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J. (2010) Soil suitability of proposed allotment site, Lerwick, Shetland., Development Officer, Climate Challenge Fund, Stirling, Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2010) Habitat impact assessment: Baseline recording of permanent plots, dwarf shrub heath and blanket bog, Fealar Estate, 2010., Fealar Estate.
  • Nolan, A.J. (2009) A report on a field visit to review the soils of crofts on Grimsay and North Uist., Uists Blackland Project, Crofting Environment Improvement Association.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Bell, J.S.; Donnelly, D. (2009) Knockroon, Cumnock, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Statement: Chapter 12: Agriculture and Soils., Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd.
  • Pakeman, R.J.; Nolan, A.J. (2009) Setting sustainable grazing levels for heather moorland., Heather Trust Annual Report 2009.
  • Cummins, R.P.; Donnelly, D.; Towers, W.; Chapman, S.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Grieve, I.; Birnie, R.V.B. (2009) Peat erosion and the management of peatland habitats., Final report to Scottish Natural Heritage (ROAME No. RO7AC103).
  • Bell, J.S.; Nolan, A.J.; Donnelly, D. (2009) The soils of Balruddery Farm., Contract report for SCRI.
  • Lilly, A.; Birnie, R.V.B; Futter, M.N.; Grieve, I.C.; Higgins, A.; Hough, R.L.; Jones, M.A.; Jordan, C.; Nolan, A.J.; Stutter, M.I.; Towers, W.; Baggaley, N.J. (2009) Climate change, land management and erosion in the organic and organo-mineral soils in Scotland and Northern Ireland., SNH Commissioned Report, No. 325 (ROAME No. F06AC104 – SNIFFER UKCC21).
  • Cummins, R.P.; Donnelly, D.; Towers, W.; Chapman, S.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Grieve, I.; Birnie, R.V.B. (2008) Peat erosion and the management of peatland habitats., Interim report to Scottish Natural Heritage (ROAME No. RO7AC103).
  • Nolan, A.J.; Birnie, R.V.B.; Hulme, P.D. (2008) Peat landslide hazard potential – desk study, site reconnaissance survey and review of project status, Spittal Hill proposed wind farm, Caithness., Spittal Hill Wind Farm Ltd.
  • Nayak, D.; Miller, D.R.; Nolan, A.; Smith, P.; Smith, J.U. (2008) Calculating carbon savings from windfarms on Scottish peatlands – a new approach., Final Report to RERAD, June 2008.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Hillier, S.; Hough, R. (2008) Sampling and analysis of lead mine spoil, Tyndrum, Argyll, and implications in relation to the expansion of visitor access., Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Brown, E.C.; Brewer, M.; Donnelly, D.; Lammas, N.; McConville, S.; Holden, E.; Nolan, A.J. (2008) Assessment of herbivore impacts on capercaillie habitats in Upper Deeside., Report to Scottish Natural Heritage.

Conference papers

  • Nayak, D.; Miller, D.R.; Nolan, A.; Smith, P.; Smith, J.U. (2008) Calculating carbon savings from windfarms on Scottish peatlands., Peatlands Energy and Climate Change, IMCG Symposium on Windfarms on Peatland, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 27-30 April 2008.
  • Smith, J.; Nayak, D.; Smith, P.; Miller, D.R.; Nolan, A. (2008) Carbon paybacks from windfarms built on peat., All Energy 2008, Aberdeen Exhibition Centre, Aberdeen, 21-22 May 2008.
  • Elston, D.A.; Hodgson, M.E.A.; Stolte, A.; Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J. (2000) Modelling grazing impacts on upland vegetation., TIES-SPRUCE,The International Environmetrics Society / Statistics in Public Resources and Utilities Conference, The University of Sheffield, 4-8 September 2000.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Still, M.J.; Bell, J.S.; Gauld, J.H. (1993) Botanical monitoring in the Breadalbane ESA., In: Land Use and the ESA Schemes. Proceedings of the Breadalbane Study Group Symposium, Battleby, Perth, March 1992 (eds. J.B. Dent and T.J. Perkins).
  • Merrell, B.G.; Henderson, D.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Suckling, D.E.; Hulme, P.D.; Fisher, J.M. (1993) Strategies to aid heather (Calluna vulgaris) recovery., In: New Horizons for Upland Environments. Proceedings of a Scientific Seminar, ADAS, Pwllpeiran, September 1993.
  • Wilson, M.J.; Cresser, M.S.; Lilly, A.; Nolan, A.J. (1989) Vulnerable soils and their distribution., Proceedings of a Symposium on Acidification in Scotland, 1988. Organised by SDD, pp. 60-70.

Conference posters / abstracts

  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (2009) Scotland’s soil resource: providing baseline data to predict the future., Predicting the Future for Highly Organic Soils, British Society of Soil Science, Spring Conference, Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt University, 5-7 May 2009. Book of Abstracts.
  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (2009) Detecting changes in Scotlands soil resource., Knowledge Scotland KTE Event, SEPA, Stirling, 29 May 2009.
  • Nayak, D.; Perks, M.; Miller, D.R.; Nolan, A.J.; Gardiner, B.; Smith, J.U. (2009) Windfarms on peatlands: Effect of management practices on carbon emissions., In: Predicting the Future for Highly Organic Soils, British Society of Soil Science, Spring Conference, Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, 5-7 May 2009.
  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (2008) Detecting changes in Scotland’s soil resource., Eurosoil 2008, Soil-Society-Environment, Conference Proceedings, Vienna, Austria, 25-29 August 2008.
  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (2007) Detecting changes in Scotland’s soils., Making Scotland’s Rural Environment More Sustainable, Royal Society of Edinburgh, 25 June 2007.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Stolte, A.M.; Henderson, D.J.; Elston, D.A.; Brewer, M.J. (2002) Rapid assessment of grazing and trampling impacts on extensive areas of upland habitats for resource management planning., SNH Conference: Nature and People – Conservation and Management in the Mountains of Northern Europe, Pitlochry, Scotland, 6-8 November 2002.
  • Ross, S.; Moon, A.; Nolan, A.J. (2002) Enhancing upland heathland vegetation through seasonal grazing management., British Grassland Society / British Ecological Society Conference “Conservation Pays?”, University of Lancaster, 15-17 April, 2002.
  • Henderson, D.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Wright, S.F. (1999) The effects of cattle grazing on the birch regeneration of a wet heathland., Proceedings of a Workshop on Grazing Management Options for Native Woodlands (eds. A.J. Hester and R.V. Birnie). Aberdeen.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Still, M.J.; Bell, J.S.; Gauld, J.H. (1997) Botanical change in unimproved enclosed grasslands in the Breadalbane Environmentally Sensitive Area, Scotland, 1989-93., British Grassland Society Conference on Grassland Management in the ESAs, University of Lancaster, 23-25 September 1997, pp271-273.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Merrell, B. (1993) Scotland’s water-based ecosystem services., In: Heaths and Moorlands: Cultural Landscapes, Conference, Aberdeen, August 1993.
  • Henderson, D.J.; Nolan, A.J.; Merrell, B. (1992) Environmental and management factors controlling the cover of heather in wet moorlands., In: Heather. Proceedings of the National Heather Convention, Leeds, April 1991 (ed. R.W. Brown), pp52-53.

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