Research
Recently Ruth’s work has focussed on the biodiversity and ecosystem services implications of tree diseases. She is currently leading a UKRI funded Treescapes project called DiversiTree. DiversiTree aims to increase the resilience of current and future woodlands to climate change and tree diseases by understanding the methods to, and the impacts of, diversifying tree species composition within our woods. The project is specifically focussing on Sitka spruce and Scots Pine forests. A YouTube introduction to the project can be found here: What is DiversiTree? Dr Ruth Mitchell explains – YouTube.
DiversiTree builds on Ruth’s previous work on the wider ecological implications of tree diseases. Ruth led the first assessment of the impacts of the tree disease ‘ash dieback’ on biodiversity. The work has been widely used by policy makers, including Defra’s tree health resilience strategy, Natural England and NatureScot and practitioners. The full report on ash associated biodiversity can be found here. As part of the THABI project PuRpOsE Ruth and her team worked on the impacts of Acute Oak Decline on biodiversity, identifying 2300 species that use oak trees in the UK. A figure recently cited by the David Attenborough film Wild Isles. For both ash and oak Ruth lead teams of reseachers who identified those species that are most closely associated with ash or oak and therefore are most at risk from a decline in these tree species. In addition the team identified the ecological functioning of ash and oak trees and how these compared to other native trees in the UK. The results are used to produced a range of tools to aid woodland managers in conserving ash and oak associated biodiversity.
Ruth’s interest in the impact of tree diseases on biodiversity has lead to wider work on the impact of plant diseases in natural habitats (work with Scotlands Plant Health Centre). This resulted in a SEFARI casestudy on which habitats are at greatest risk from plant pests and pathogens.
Within the Scottish Government Strategic Research Programme 2022-2027 Ruth is leading work on projected areas and contributing to work on restoration of plantations in ancient woodlands, invasive species – particularly plant pests and pathogends and healthy soils.
Ruth has a long standing interested in successional processes and her work on plant-soil interactions studies how changes in land-use (principally tree colonisation on moorland) affects the vegetation, soil chemistry, soil fauna and ecosystem functioning. She co-ordinates a large, long-term experiment studying the impact of tree colonisation on moorland biodiversity and ecosystem processes (MOORCO). Ruth’s research on the impact of pressures on biodiversity has focussed on grazing, pollution and climate change. She has worked on over-grazing issues in both moorlands and Atlantic oakwoods and assessed the impact of nitrogen deposition on heather-dominated moorland and on epiphytic lichens and bryophytes in Atlantic oakwoods. Ruth has carried out research on the restoration of a range of habitats resulting in techniques for re-establishment of heathland (both soils and vegetation) following scrub invasion, the establishment of heather on over-grazed moorlands, the restoration of Atlantic Oakwoods and the recovery of epiphytic bryophytes following a reduction in nitrogen pollution.
As the past chair of the British Ecological Society’s Scottish Policy Groupand current member of NatureScot’s Scientific Advisory Committee,and Defra’s Trees and Woodlands Science Advisory Group, Ruth aims to make her work policy relevant with practical applications for stakeholders.
Publications
Journals
- Knollová, I.; Chytrý, M.; Bruelheide, H.; Dullinger, S.; Jandt, U.; Bernhardt-Römermann, M.; Biurrun, I.; de Bello, F.; Glaser, M.; Hennekens, S.; Jansen, F.; Jiménez-Alfaro, B.; Kadaš, D.; Kaplan, E.; Klinkovská, K.; Kuzemko, A.; Lenzner, B.; Pauli, H.; Gaia Sperandii, M.; Verheyen, K.; Winkler, M.; Abdaladze, O.; Acic, S.; Acosta, A.T.R.; Alignier, A.; Andreeva, M.; Andrews, C.; Arlettaz, R.; Attorre, F.; Axmanová, I.; Babbi, M.; Baeten, L.; Baran, J.; Barni, E.; Luis Benito Alonso, J.; Berg, C.; Bergamini, A.; Berki, I.; Boch, S.; Bock, B.; Bode, F.; Bonari, G.; Britton, A.; Brunet, J.; Bruzzaniti, V.; Budzhak, V.; Burrascano, S.; Campos, J.A.; Carlsson, B.; Laura Carranza, M.; Cerný, T.; Charmillot, K.; Chiarucci, A.; Choler, P.; Chytrý, K.; Corcket, E.; Csecserits, A.; Cutini, M.; Czarniecka-Wiera, M.; Danihelka, J.; Carla de Francesco, M.; De Frenne, P.; De Sanctis, M.; Deák, B.; Decocq, G.; Dembicz, I.; Dengler, J.; Di Cecco, V.; Dick, J.; Diekmann, M.; Dierschke (deceased), H.; Dirnböck, T.; Doerfler, I.; Dolezal, J.; Döring, U.; Durak, T.; Dwyer, C.; Ejrnæs, R.; Ermakova, I.; Erschbamer, B.; Fanelli, G.; Rosa Fernández Calzado, M.; Fickert, T.; Fischer, A.; Fischer, M.; Foremnik, K.; Frouz, J.; García-González, R.; García-Magro, D.; García-Mijangos, I.; G. Gavilán, R.; Germ, M.; Ghosn, D.; Gigauri, K.; Gizela, J.; Golob, A.; Golub, V.; Gómez García, D.; Grytnes, J.; Güler, B.; Gutiérrez-Girón, A.; Haase, P.; Haider, S.; Hájek, M.; Halassy, M.; Harásek, M.; Härdtle, W.; Heinken, T.; Hester, A.; Humbert, J.; Ibáñez, R.; Illa, E.; Jaroszewicz, B.; Jensen, K.; Jentsch, A.; Jiroušek, M.; Kalníková, V.; Kanka, R.; Kapfer, J.; Kazakis, G.; Kermavnar, J.; Kesting, S.; Khanina, L.; Kindermann, E.; Kotrík, M.; Koutecký, T.; Kozub, L.; Kuhn, G.; Kutnar, L.; La Montagna, D.; Lamprecht, A.; Lenoir, J.; Lepš, J.; Leuschner, C.; Lorite, J.; Madsen, B.; Magaña Ugarte, R.; Malicki, M.; Maliniemi, T.; Máliš, F.; Maringer, A.; Marrs, R.; Matesanz, S.; Metze, K.; Meyer, S.; Millett, J.; Mitchell, R.; Moeslund, J.E..; Moiseev, P.; Morra di Cella, U.; Mudrák, O.; Müller, F.; Müller, N.; Naaf, T.; Nagy, L.; Napoleone, F.; Nascimbene, J.; Navrátilová, J.; Ninot, J.M..; Niu, Y.; Normand, S.; Onipchenko, V.; Orczewska, A.; Ortmann-Ajkai, A.; Pakeman, R.J.; Pardo, I.; Pätsch, R.; Peet, R.; Penuelas, J.; Peppler-Lisbach, C.; Pérez Hernández, J.; Pérez-Haase, A.; Petraglia, A.; Petrík, P.; Pielech, R.; Piórkowski, H.; Pladevall-Izard, E.; Poschlod, P.; Prach, K.; Praleskouskaya, S.; Prokhorov, V.; Provoost, S.; Pu¿ca¿, M.; Pustková, Š.; François Randin, C.; Rašomavicius, V.; Reczynska, K.; Rédei, T.; Rehounková, K.; Angela Richner, N.; Risch, A.C.; Rixen, C.; Rosbakh, S.; Roscher, C.; Rosenthal, G.; Rossi, G.; Rötzer, H.; Roux, C.; Rumpf, S.B.; Ruprecht, E.; Rusina, S.; Sanz-Zubizarreta, I.; Schindler, M.; Schmidt, W.; Schories, D.; Schrautzer, J.; Schubert, H.; Schuetz, M.; Schwabe, A.; Schwaiger, H.; Schwartze, P.; Šebesta, J.; Seiler, H.; Šilc, U.; Silva, V.; Šmilauer, P.; Šmilauerová, M.; Sperle, T.; Stachurska-Swakon, A.; Stanik, N.; Stanisci, A.; Starodubtseva, E.; Steffen, K.; Storm, C.; Georg Stroh, H.; Sugorkina, N.; Swierkosz, K.; Swierszcz, S.; Szymura, M.; Tatarenko, I.; Teleki, B.; Thébaud, G.; Theurillat, J.; Tichý, L.; Treier, U.A.; Turtureanu, P.D.; Ujházy, K.; Ujházyová, M.; Mihai Ursu, T.; Uzieblo, A.K.; Valkó, O.; Van Calster, H.; Van Meerbeek, K.; Vandevoorde, B.; Vandvik, V.; Varricchione, M.; Vassilev, K.; Villar, L.; Luis, V.; Virtanen, R.; Vittoz, P.; Voigt, W.; von Hessberg, A.; von Oheimb, G.; Wagner, E.; Walther, G.; Wellstein, C.; Wesche, K.; Wilhelm, M.; Willner, W.; Wipf, S.; Wittig, B.; Wohlgemuth, T.; Woodcock, B.A.; Wulf, M.; Essl, F. (2024) ReSurveyEurope: A database of resurveyed vegetation plots in Europe, Journal of Vegetation Science, 35(2), Art. e13235
- Mitchell, R.J. (2024) A host-based approach for the prioritisation of surveillance of plant pests and pathogens in wild flora and natural habitats in the UK, Biological Invasions, 26, 1124-1137
- Mitchell, R. (2023) The amplification of plant disease risk through ecological restoration, Restoration Ecology, 31(5), Art. E13937
- Plenderleith, F.; Palmer, S. C. F; Travis, J. M. J.; Lancaster, L. T.; Stockan, J.; Mitchell, R. (2022) The consequences of tree disease and pre-emptive felling on functional and genetic connectivity for woodland invertebrates, Ecological Informatics, 72, Art. 101820
- Mitchell, R.J.; Bellamy, P.; Broome, A.; Ellis, C.; Hewison, R.; Iason, G.; Littlewood, N.; Newey, S.; Pozsgai, G.; Dunan, R.; Stockan, J.; Stokes, V.; Taylor, A. (2022) Cumulative impact assessments of multiple host species loss from plant diseases show disproportionate reductions in associated biodiversity, Journal of Ecology, 110(1), 221-231
- Mitchell, R.J; Hewison, R.L.; Beaton, J.; Douglass J.R. (2021) Identifying substitute host tree species for epiphytes: the relative importance of tree size and species, bark and site characteristics., Applied Vegetation Science, 24(2), Article No. e12569
- Mitchell, R.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Haghi, R.K.; Robertson, A.H.J.; Main, A.M.; Owen, I.J. (2021) Functional and ecosystem service differences between tree species: implications for tree species replacement, Trees, 35, 307-317
- Payne, R.J.; Campbell, C.; Stevens, C.J.; Pakeman, R.J.; Ross, L.C.; Britton, A.J.; Mitchell, R.J.; Jones, L.; Field, C.; Caporn, S.J.M.; Carroll, J.; Edmondson, J.L.; Carnell, E.J.; Tomlinson, S.; Dore, A.; Dragosits, U.; Dise, N. (2020) Disparities between plant community responses to nitrogen deposition and critical loads in UK semi-natural habitats., Atmospheric Environment, 239, Article No. 117478.
- van Paassen, J.G.; Britton, A.J.; Mitchell, R.J.; Street, L.E.; Johnson, D.; Coupar, A.; Woodin, S.J. (2020) Legacy effects of nitrogen and phosphorus additions on vegetation and carbon stocks of upland heaths., New Phytologist, 228, 226-237.
- Friggens, N.L.; Hester, A.J.; Mitchell, R.J.; Parker, T.C.; Subke, J-A.; Wookey, P.A. (2020) Tree planting in organic soils does not result in net carbon sequestration on decadal timescales., Global Change Biology. 26, 5178-5188.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Bellamy, P.E.; Ellis, C.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Hodgetts, N.G.; Iason, G.R.; Littlewood, N.A.; Newey, S.; Stockan, J.A.; Taylor, A.F.S. (2019) OakEcol: a database of Oak-associated biodiversity within the UK, Data in Brief, 25, art.104120
- Mitchell, R.J.; Bellamy, P.E.; Ellis C.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Hodgetts, N.G.; Iason, G.R.; Littlewood, N.A.; Newey, S.; Stockan, J.A.; Taylor, A.F.S. (2019) Collapsing foundations: the ecology of the British oak, implications of its decline and mitigation options., Biological Conservation, 233, 316-327.
- Artz, R.R.E.; Johnson, S.; Bruneau, P.; Britton, A.J.; Mitchell, R.J.; Ross, L.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Donnelly, D.; Aitkenhead, M.J.; Gimona, A.; Poggio, L. (2019) The potential for modelling peatland habitat condition in Scotland using long-term MODIS data., Science of the Total Environment, 660, 429-442.
- Payne, R.J.; Campbell, C.; Britton, A.J.; Mitchell, R.J.; Pakeman, R.J.; Jones, L.; Ross, L.C.; Stevens C.; Field, C.; Caporn, S.J.M.; Carroll, J.; Edmondson, J.L.; Carnell, E.J.; Tomlinson, S.; Dore, A.J.; Dise, N.; Dragosits, U. (2019) What is the most ecologically-meaningful metric of nitrogen deposition?, Environmental Pollution, 247, 319-331.
- Broome, A.; Ray, D.; Mitchell, R.; Harmer, R. (2019) Responding to ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) in the UK: woodland composition and replacement tree species., Forestry, 92, 108-119.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Chitanava, S.; Dbar, R.; Kramarets, V.; Lehtijärvi, A.; Matchutadze, I.; Mamadashvili, G.; Matsiakh, I.; Nacambo, S.; Papazova-Anakieva, I.; Sathyapala, S.;Tuniyev, B.; Vétek, G.; Zukhbaia, M.; Kenis, M. (2018) Identifying the ecological and societal consequences of a decline in Buxus forests in Europe and the Caucasus., Biological Invasions, 20, 3605-3620.
- Maclean, J.E.; Mitchell, R.J.; Burslem, D.F.R.P.; Genney, D.; Hall, J.; Pakeman, R.J. (2018) Seed limitation, not soil legacy effects, prevents native understory from establishing in oak woodlands in Scotland after removal of Rhododendron ponticum., Restoration Ecology, 26, 865-872.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Fielding, D.A.; Fisher, J.M.; Gilbert, D.J.; Hurskainen, S.; Pakeman, R.J.; Potts, J.M.; Riach, D. (2018) Decline in atmospheric sulphur deposition and changes in climate are the major drivers of long-term change in grassland plant communities in Scotland., Environmental Pollution, 235, 956-964
- Britton, A.J.; Mitchell, R.J.; Fisher, J.M.; Riach, D.J.; Taylor, A.F.S. (2018) Nitrogen deposition drives loss of moss cover in alpine moss-sedge heath via lowered C: N ratio and accelerated decomposition, New Phytologist, 218(2), 470-478
- Maclean, J.E.; Mitchell, R.J.; Burslem, D.F.R.P.; Genney, D.; Hall, J.; Pakeman, R.J. (2018) Understorey plant community composition reflects invasion history decades after invasive Rhododendron has been removed., Journal of Applied Ecology, 55, 874-884.
- Maclean, J.E.; Mitchell, R.J.; Burslem, D.F.R.P.; Genney, D.; Hall, J.; Pakeman, R.J. (2018) Invasion by Rhododendron ponticum depletes the native seed bank with long-term impacts after its removal., Biological Invasions, 20, 375-384.
- Henry, R.C.; Palmer, S.C.F.; Watts, K.; Mitchell, R.J.; Atkinson, N.; Travis, J.M.J. (2017) Tree loss impacts on ecological connectivity: developing models for assessment., Ecological Informatics, 42, 90-99.
- Lisboa, F.; Mitchell, R.J.; Chapman, S.J.; Potts, J.; Berbara, R. (2017) Collinearity does not affect Procrustes analysis outputs: directions for plant and soil ecologists., PeerJ, 5, Article No. e3272v1.
- Maclean, J.E.; Mitchell, R.J.; Burslem, D.F.R.P.; Genney, D.; Hall, J.; Pakeman, R.J. (2017) The epiphytic bryophyte community of Atlantic oak woodlands shows clear signs of recovery following the removal of invasive Rhododendron ponticum., Biological Conservation, 212, 96-104.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Britton, A.J.; Brooker, R.W.; Cummins, R.P.; Fielding, D.A.; Fisher, J.M.; Gilbert, D.J.; Hester, A.J.; Hurskainen, S.; Pakeman, R.J.; Potts, J.M.; Riach, D. (2017) Forty years of change in Scottish grassland vegetation: increased richness, decreased diversity and increased dominance., Biological Conservation, 212, 327-336.
- Rowe, E.C.; Jones, L.; Dise, N.B.; Evans, C.D.; Mills, G.; Hall, J.; Stevens, C.J.; Mitchell, R.J.; Field, C.; Caporn, S.J.; Helliwell, R.C.; Britton, A.J.; Sutton, M.; Payne, R.J.; Vieno, M.; Dore, A.J.; Emmett, B.A. (2017) Metrics for evaluating the ecological benefits of decreased nitrogen deposition., Biological Conservation, 212, 454-463.
- Pakeman, R.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Riach, D.; Fisher, J.; Hurskianen, S.; Fielding, D.; Mitchell, R.J. (2017) Long-term functional structure and functional diversity changes in Scottish grasslands., Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 247, 352-362.
- Britton, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Mitchell, R.J.; Riach, D . (2017) Pollution and climate change drive long-term change in Scottish wetland vegetation composition., Biological Conservation, 210, 72-79.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Beaton, J.K.; Bellamy, P.E.; Ellis, C.J.; Hester, A.J.; Hodgetts, N.G.; Iason, G.R.; Littlewood, N.A.; Newey, S.; Pozsgai, G.; Ramsay, S.; Riach, D.; Stockan, J.A.; Taylor, A.F.S.; Woodward, S. (2017) Challenges in assessing the ecological impacts of tree diseases and mitigation measures: the case of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and Fraxinus excelsior., Baltic Forestry, 23, 116-140.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Urpeth, H.; Britton, A.J.; Taylor, A.R. (2017) Soil microarthropod-plant community relationships in alpine moss- sedge heath., Applied Soil Ecology, 111, 1-8.
Prior to appointment
- Mitchell, R.J.; Rose, R.J.; Palmer S.C.F. (2008) Restoration of Calluna vulgaris on grass-dominated moorlands: The importance of disturbance, grazing and seeding., Biological Conservation, 141, 2100-2111.
Books / chapters
- Mitchell, R.; Green, S.; Hollingsworth, P. (2022) Plant Health, Biosecurity, and Conservation Translocations, In: Gaywood, M. Ewen, J. Hollingsworth, P. & Moehrenschlager, A. (eds.). Conservation Translocations. Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Chapter 8, pp 241-270
- Britton, A.; Mitchell, R.; Taylor A. (2016) Cascading effects of nitrogen pollution on biodiversity and ecosystem function in alpine systems., In: Irvine, R.J. (ed.) Biodiversity and Upland Management. The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Chapter 10, pp22-23.
- Mitchell, R.; Hewison, R.; Britton, A.; Pakeman, R.J.; Hester, A. (2016) Long-term changes in Scottish grassland plant communities., In: Pakeman, R.J. (ed.). Grassland Biodiversity. The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, pp4-5.
Technical / contract reports
- Smith, S.W.; Holland, J. P.; Mitchell, R.J.; Pollock, M. L.; Pakeman, R. J. (2024) Call-down request – The James Hutton Institute and Scottish Rural College – The biodiversity impacts of grazing Q & A, Report to RESAS
- Mitchell, R. (2023) Plant Health and the Natural Environment: Fellowship Final Report, Plant Health Centre, 124pp
- Mitchell, R. (2023) Plant Health and the Natural Environment: Policy Summary, Plant Health Centre
- Pakeman, R.J.; Britton, A.; Hawes, C.; Stockan, J.; Stutter, M.; Wilkinson, M.; Artz, R.; Brooker, R.; Mitchell, R.; Addy, S. (2023) Calldown Request – James Hutton Institute – Reviewing priority actions according to their impact on halting biodiversity decline in the delivery plan for Scotlands Biodiversity Strategy, Report to NatureScot.
- Mitchell, R. (2023) Which habitats are at greatest risk from plant pests and pathogens?, SEFARI case study.
- Mitchell, R.; Fielding, D.; Hewison, R.; Jabloun, M.; Pakeman, R.; Rivington, M.; Taylor, A. (2023) Enhancing the Biodiversity of the Glen Lochay Estate Assessing the baseline and identifying options for potential future biodiversity management strategies and activities Report to Glen Lochay Estate, Report to Estate.
- Mitchell, R. (2022) Tree planting and soil carbon, SEFARI case study
- Brooker, R.; Mitchell, R.; Roberts, D.; Matthews, K.; Waylen, K.A. (2021) Think piece on multifunctional landscapes, Report submitted to Sallie Ballie in response to Call-Down request.
- Broome, A.; Stokes, V.; Mitchell, R.J.; Duncan, R. (2021) Ecological implications of oak decline in Great Britain., Forest Research, Research Note FRRN040, 12pp.
- Mitchell, R.J. (2021) Ecological resilience – woodlands and tree pests/pathogens., SEFARI Case Studies Webpage.
- Mitchell, R.J. (2021) Ecosystem resilience – woodland establishment on heather moorland and carbon budgets., SEFARI Case Studies Webpage.
- Hollingsworth, P.M.; O’Brien, D.; Ennos, R.A.; Ahrends, A.; Ballingall, K.T.; Brooker, R.W.; Burke, T.; Cavers, S.; Dawson, I.K.; Elston, D.A.; Kerr, J.; Marshall, D.F.; Neaves, L.; Pakeman, R.J.; Trivedi, C.; Wall, E.; Wright, F.; Yahr, R.; Bean, C.; Blake, D.; Campbell, R.; Comont, R.; Finger, A.; Fraser, K.; Genney, D.; Hall, J.; Hannah, A.; Jehle, R.; Jones, S.; Kohn, D.; Llewellyn, M.; Lurz, P.; Macdonald, I.; McIntosh, J.; Mitchell, R.; O’Dell, J.; Page, S.; Pemberton, J.; Pérez-Espona, S.; Piertney, S.; Sime, I.; Thompson, D.; Ogden, R. (2020) Scotland’s biodiversity progress to 2020 Aichi targets – Aichi target 13 – Genetic diversity maintained – Supplementary Report 2020., Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness, 81pp.
- Maclean, J.E.; Genney, D.; Hall, J.; Mitchell, R.;, Burslem, F.R.P.; Pakeman, R.J. (2019) The effect of clearing invasive Rhododendron ponticum on the native plant community of Atlantic oak woodland., Scottish Natural Heritage Research Report No. 1157, 36pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Abbeydale (Totley Wood)., James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Sutton Park., James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Stratfield Brake., James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Borrowdale., James Hutton Institute Website, 8pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Rain Dale., James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Island Thorns., James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Foxhunting., James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Broadmeadow, S.; Watts, K.; Quine, C.; Mitchell, R.J. (2019) Risk mapping for Xylella in Scotland, Forest Research Report, Plant Health Centre, 34pp
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting oak ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Hendre., James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Wood of Cree., Case Study, James Hutton Institute Website, 8pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Tower Wood., Case Study, James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Glen Nant., Case Study, James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Drummond Loch., Case Study, James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Dinnet., Case Study, James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case Study: Dalkeith., Case Study, James Hutton Institute Website, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Hewison, R.L.; Stokes, V. (2019) Protecting Oak Ecosystems: Managing oak woodlands to maximize support for oak associated biodiversity. Case study: Alvie, Case Study, James Hutton Institute, 7pp.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Barsoum, N.; Bonham, E.; Broome, A.; Gill, R.; Hall, J.; Perry, S. (2019) Oak health and biodiversity., In: Quine, C.P., Atkinson N., Denma, S., Desrez-Loustau, M-L., Jackson, R. & Kirby K. (eds). Action Oak Knowledge Review: An Assessment of the Current Evidence on Oak Health in the UK, Identification of Evidence Gaps and Prioritisation of Research Needs. Action Oak, Haslemere, UK, Chapter 5, pp95-116.
Conference papers
- Mitchell, R.; Albon, S.; Stockan, J.; Taylor, A.; Bates, S.; Bellamy, P.; Dandy, N.; Downey, H.; Ellis, C.; Hodgetts, N.; Jackson, R.; Johnstone, C.; Lamberte, L.; Nichols, C.; Rabiey, M. (2023) Diversifying tree species composition within our forests to increase resilience – an interdisciplinary approach, Hutton Annual Research Symposium, 21 November 2023, Apex Hotel, Dundee
- Mitchell, R.; Plenderleith, F. (2023) Ash dieback – consequences for biodiversity and mitigation strategies, Creating Canopy: the biology and practice of establishing trees and woodlands for people and nature including FraxNet meeting, 27-29 November 2023, University of Nottingham and Online
- Mitchell, R. (2023) How resilient are our native woodlands to multiple pests and pathogens, CIEEM 2023 Scottish Conference: The Role of Trees in a Sustainable Future, 3 October 2023, Edinburgh
- Mitchell, R. (2023) The amplification of plant disease risk through ecological restoration, North East Scotland Ecological Network Science Day
- Mitchell, R. (2022) The MOORCO Experiment using longterm experiments to assess the potential of trees to help achieve net zero , 22nd World Congress of Soil Science, 31 July – 5 August, Glasgow
- Mitchell, R. (2022) Plant health and the natural environment, Scotland’s Plant Health Conference 2022, 1 June 2022, Dundee
- Mitchell, R. (2021) How resilient are our native woodlands to multiple pests and pathogens, BIFOR and Association of Applied Biologists. Trees for Future Conference. 3rd & 4th November 2021
- Mitchell, R.J. (2021) Tree diseases: wider ecological impacts and management implications., Keynote Speaker at BiFor Fifth Annual (Virtual) Community Meeting, University of Birmingham, 27-28 January 2021.
- Toth, I.K.; Humphris, S.; Mitchell, R.J. (2018) Plant Health Centre of Expertise., Crop Production in Northern Britain Conference, Apex Hotel, Dundee, 27-28 February 2018.
- Toth, I.K.; Humphris, S.; Mitchell, R.J. (2018) Plant Health Centre of Expertise for Scotland., Scottish Society for Crop Research Potato Winter Meeting, 22 March 2018.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A. (2015) Methods to identify the ecological and conservation implications of tree diseases and potential management options: lessons from ash dieback., Presentation at Invasive Insects and Trees: Detection, Management and Policy. A two-day conference incorporating the Expert Meeting on Oak Precessionary Moth, University of Hull, 19-20 February 2015.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A. (2014) Ash dieback in the UK: identifying the ecological and conservation implications and potential management options., Seminar at FP1103 FRAXBACK Meeting, Palanga, 15-18 September 2014.
- Nilsson, C.; Aradottir, A.; Hagan, D.; Halldorson, G.; Mitchell, R.J.; Rauland-Rasmussen, K.; Svavarsdottir, K.; Tolvanen, A.; Wilson, S. (2014) The process of evaluating ecological restoration., The 9th European Conference on Ecological Restoration, Society for Ecological Restoration, Oulu, Finland, 3-8 August 2014.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Critchely, N.; Rose, R.J. (2014) Restoration of Calluna Vulgaris on grass-dominated moorlands: the importance of disturbance, grazing and seeding., The 9th European Conference on Ecological Restoration, Society for Ecological Restoration, Oulu, Finland, 3-8 August 2014.
- Andersen, R.; Artz, R.R.E.; Cummins, R.; Mitchell, R.; Balana, B.; Donnelly, D.; Chapman, S.J.; Smith, J.; Smith, P. (2011) Managing and restoring blanket bogs to benefit biodiversity and carbon in Scotland: a scoping study., International Symposium on Responsible Peatland Management and Growing Media Production, Quebec City, Canada, 13-17 June 2011.
- Mitchell R.J.; Hester A.H.; Campbell C.D.; Chapman S.J.; Cameron C.M.; Hewison R.L.; Potts J.M. (2010) Predicting the soil microbial community: is vegetation composition or soil chemistry the better predictor?, British Ecological Society Conference, University of Leeds, Leeds, 7-9 September 2010.
Conference posters / abstracts
- Mitchell, R.; Albon, S.; Cocks, L.; Johnstone, C.; Stockan, J.; Taylor, A.; Bellamy, P.; Bates, S.; Dandy, N.; Downey, H.; Ellis, C.; Jackson, R.; Lamberte, L.; Hodgetts, N.; Nichols, C.; Rabiey, M. (2023) Diversifying tree species within our forets to increase resilience – an interdisciplinary approach, Creating Canopy: the biology and practice of establishing trees and woodlands for people and nature including FraxNet meeting, 27-29 November 2023, University of Nottingham and Online
- Mitchell, R.; Albon, S.; Bates, S.; Bellamy, P.; Cocks, L.; Dandy, N.; Downey, H.; Ellis, C.; Jackson, R.; Johnson, C.; Hodgetts, N.; Lamberte, L.; Nichols, C.; Rabiey, M.; Stockan, J.; Taylor, A. (2023) Diversifying tree specie within our forests to increase resilience – an interdisciplinary approach, CIEEM 2023 Scottish Conference : The Role of Trees in a Sustainable Future, 3 October 2023, Edinburgh
- Mitchell, R.; Elliot, M.; Ward, L.; Ward, l.; Creissen, H. (2023) Biosecurity best practice for conservation, CIEEM conference: The Role of Trees in a Sustainable Future, 3 October 2023, Edinburgh
- Mitchell, R.; Stone, D. (2022) Assessing the plant health risks to Scottish moorlands, Scotland’s Plant Health Conference 2022, 1 June 2022, Dundee
- Mitchell, R.; Stone, D. (2022) Assessing, mitigating and increasing resilience to plant health risks in the natural environment, Scotland’s Plant Health Conference 2022, 1 June 2022, Dundee
- Mitchell, R.J.; Hewison, R.; Haghi, R.K.; Robertson, A.J.; Main, A.; Owen, J. (2020) Functional and ecosystem service differences between
tree species implications for tree species replacement., British Ecological Society Annual Meeting, Edinburgh 14-17 December 2020, Online. (Poster) - Plenderleith, F.; Palmer, S.; Travis, J.; Stockan, J.; Lancaster, L.; Mitchell, R. (2020) The consequences of ash dieback and associated management on connectivity for forest insects., British Ecological Society (BES) Festival of Ecology, 14-18 December 2020. Poster. (Online).
- Bhatti, N.; Mitchell, R.J.; Britton, A.J.; Cornulier, T.; Potts, J.; Woodin, S.; Genney, D. (2018) Developing monitoring tools for conservation priority lichen species., British Ecological Society (BES) Annual Conference, Birmingham, 16-19 December 2018.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Woodward, S.; Potting, R.; Eschen, R.; Kenis, M. (2018) Feasibility study for a database of ecological importance of European tree species., In: Sentinel Plantings for Detecting alien, Potentially Damaging Tree Pests: State of the art 2018. COST Conference, Campus Sursee, Switzerland, 9-12 October 2018. Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL. Program and Abstracts, p22. Abstract Paper ID 142.
- Bhatti, N.; Britton, A.J.; Cornulier, T.; Genney, D.; Mitchell, R.; Potts, J.; Woodin, S. (2017) Investigating detection rates: developing tools for monitoring data-deficient, conservation-priority lichen species., British Ecological Society Conference 2017, Ecology Across Borders, Ghent, Belgium, 11-14 December 2017. (Poster)
- Mitchell, R.J.; Britton, A.J.; Potts, J.; Genney, D.R. (2014) Are expectations for biodiversity monitoring realistic?, Protecting Scotland’s Biodiversity: Monitoring in Action Joint BES/CIEEM/STG Meeting, Edinburgh, 2-3 October 2014.
- Mitchell, R.J.; Britton, A.J.; Potts, J.; Genney, D.R. (2014) Are expectations for biodiversity monitoring realistic?., Joint BES/SFE Annual Meeting, Lille, France, 9-12 December 2014.