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Willie Towers

Staff picture: Willie Towers
Environmental and Biochemical Sciences
Environmental and Biochemical Sciences
Honorary Research Associate
willie.towers@hutton.ac.uk
+44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)

The James Hutton Institute
Craigiebuckler
Aberdeen AB15 8QH
Scotland UK

 

Willie is a soil scientist who has made a significant contribution to the Scottish soil map coverage and the Institute soils database, both of which are recognised as two of the Institute's key corporate assets. Willie has over 200 published outputs covering peer reviewed papers, conference papers and abstracts, consultancy reports and a range of knowledge exchange and awareness raising tools. He advises and works closely with policy colleagues in the Scottish Government on diverse issues such as CAP reform, LFA redefinition and delineation and soil policy and has contributed to enquiries (written and verbal) at the House of Lords and the Scottish Parliament in this capacity. He was lead author of 'Scotland's Soil Resource - Current State and Threats' in 2006 for the Scottish Government and which has proved to be a seminal work in the development of the Scottish Soil Framework (Scottish Government 2009); Willie undertook a short term secondment to the Scottish Government to advise on, and contribute to its development. With others, he has developed a range of novel mechanisms to raise awareness of the role and value of soils to society and chairs a Europe wide group, financed by the JRC in Italy, to develop European initiatives on soil education and awareness.

Current research interests

Willie's research interests are primarily related to the role of soils in environmental and ecological research. He has developed and applied a number of modelling approaches to assess a range of diverse land use options, including the potential for native woodlands, land suitability for sewage sludge recycling and for new housing and other built development. Process based information has also been incorporated into parametric rule-based models, for example examining the behaviour of heavy metals in soils. His current interests focus on developing the concept of soil multifunctionality within landscapes, exploring methods of examining trade-offs between them and seeking to explicitly identify the role of soils in the delivery of ecosystem services. Willie also contributes to new interdisciplinary research areas in the Institute including risk assessment and soil valuation in its widest sense. Much of his work capitalises on his in-depth understanding of the data sources used to characterise soils and their functions.

Bibliography

  • Donnelly, D.; Towers, W.; Lilly, A.; Matthews, K.B. (2020) Method for applying biophysical constraints to delineate Areas of Natural Constraint in Scotland (2019)., Report to Scottish Government, 54pp.
  • Donnelly, D.; Towers, W. (2016) Method for applying biophysical constraints to delineate areas of natural constraint in Scotland., Technical Report to Scottish Government and EU Joint Research Centre.
  • Matthews, K.B.; Miller, D.G.; Towers, W.; Squire, G.R.; Hawes, C.; Pakeman, R.J.; Brooker, R.; Brown, I.; Owen, J.; Vinten, A.J.A.; MacLeod, C.J.A. (2016) CAP Greening Review, Summary., Scottish Government and The James Hutton Institute Website.
  • Squire, G.R.; Hawes, C.; Pakeman, R.J.; Brooker, R.; Brown, I.; Towers, W.; Owen, J.; Vinten, A.J.A.; MacLeod, C.J.A. (2016) CAP Greening Review, Part 4, Expert Panel Review. Views of members of the expert panel on CAP Greening., Scottish Government and The James Hutton Institute Websites.
  • Towers, W.; Miller, D.G.; Matthews, K.B. (eds.) (2016) CAP Greening Review, Part 1:Trends in Environmental Indicators - A brief overview of recent trends in key environmental indicators in Scotland, covering biodiversity, water quality, land, including soils and climate change., Scottish Government and The James Hutton Institute Websites.
  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Black, H.I.J.; Squire, G.; McLeod, K.; Hastings, E.; Troldborg, M.; Aalders, I.H.; Towers, W.; Lilly, A.; Brown, I.; Coull, M.C.; Castellazzi, M.; Matthews, K.B.; Baggaley, N.J. (2016) A review of ecosystem service mapping within Scottish Government RESAS-funded research., Report for Scottish Government.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Riach, D.J.; Towers, W.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2016) Soil Survey Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 54 - Salachan Forest, Lochaber Forest District. (2016), Digital data submitted to Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Hewison, R.L.; Nolan, A.J.; Riach, D.J.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2016) Soil Survey Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 53 - Greenburn Block, Loch Ard Forst (South), Cowal and Trossachs Forest Distric.t (2016), Digital data submitted to Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Towers, W.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Donnelly, D.; Campbell, G. (2016) Soil Survey Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 45 - Aberdeenshire Forest Blocks and New Acquisitions, Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest District. (2016)., Digital data submitted to Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Gwatkin, R.; Donnelly, D. (2016) Soil Survey Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 41 - Appin and West Barcaldine Blocks, West Argyll Forest District (2015)., Digital data to Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Dunn, S.M.; Towers, W.; Dawson, J.J.C.; Sample, J.; MacDonald, J. (2015) A pragmatic methodology for horizon scanning of water quality linked to future climate and land use scenarios., Land Use Policy, 44, 131-144.
  • Chamen, W.C.T.; Moxey, A.P.; Towers, W.; Balana, B.B.; Hallett, P.D. (2015) Mitigating arable soil compaction: A review and analysis of available cost and benefit data., Soil and Tillage Research, 146, 10-25.
  • Lilly, A.; Miller, D.R.; Towers, W.; Donnelly, D.; Poggio, L.; Carnegie, P. (2015) Mapping of Scotland's natural resources., Bulletin of the Society of Cartographers, 48, 35-46
  • Towers, W.; Chapman, S.J.; Artz, R.R.E.; Miller, D.R. (2015) Carbon-rich soil, deep peat and priority peatland habitats map., Consultation response to Scottish Natural Heritage from the James Hutton Institute.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D,J.; Towers, W.; Riach, D.J.; Gwatkin, R.; Donnelly, D. (2015) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 39 - Dalchork Forest, North Highland Forest District. (2014)., Digital Data submitted to Forestry Commission.
  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (2015) Lilly, A., Bell, J.S., Hudson, G., Nolan, A.J. & Towers. W. 2011. National soil inventory of Scotland 2007-2009: profile description and soil sampling protocols. (NSIS_2). Technical Bulletin, James Hutton Institute., Scotland's Soils Website.
  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (Compilers) (2015) Lilly, A., Bell, J.S., Hudson, G., Nolan, A.J. & Towers. W. (Compilers) 2010. National soil inventory of Scotland (NSIS_1); site location, sampling and profile description protocols. (1978-1988)., Scotland's Soils Website.
  • Slee, B.; Brown, I.; Donnelly, D.; Gordon, I.J.; Matthews, K.B.; Towers, W. (2014) The ‘squeezed middle’: identifying and addressing conflicting demands on intermediate quality farmland in Scotland., Land Use Policy, 41, 206-216.
  • Towers, W.; Alexander, P.; Troldborg, M.; Hough, R.L.; Miller, D.R.; Dunn, S.M.; Horne, P. (2014) Renewable energy from land: opportunities and constraints., Proceedings of SRUC/SEPA Conference Agriculture and Environment, Delivering Multiple Benefits from our Land; Sustainable Development in Practice, Edinburgh, 15-16 April 2014, pp 92-98.
  • Towers, W.; Xiao, X.; Sneddon, S.; Woodfield, M.; Donnelly, D.; Lilly, A.; Miller, D.R.; Dobbie, K.; Bruneau, P.M.C. (2014) Delivery of soils information over the web., Proceedings of SRUC/SEPA Conference Agriculture and Environment, Delivering Multiple Benefits from our Land; Sustainable Development in Practice, Edinburgh, 15-16 April 2014, pp304-305.
  • Towers, W.; Black, H.I.J.; Campbell, C.D. (2014) The Scottish soil framework: Implementing soil protection policy at regional scale., Proceedings of the FORRISK International Workshop on Soil Degradation Risks in Planted Forests, Bilbao, Spain, 10 September 2014.
  • Miller, D.G.; Matthews, K.B.; Towers, W.; Pakeman, R.J.; Brooker, R.J.; Squire, G.; Hawes, C.; Vinten, A.J.A.; MacLeod, C.; Owen, J.; Wardell-Johnson, D.H. (2014) CAP Greening Review - Expert panel - Interim results., Technical Report for Policy.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Baggaley, N.; Donnelly, D. (2014) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 31 - South Loch Ard & Drumore Block, Loch Ard Forest, Cowal & Trossachs Forest District., Digital data submitted to Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Mitchell, R.J.; Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Cameron, C.; Donald, C.; Fielding, D.; Green, G.; Hewison, R.H.; McIntyre, S.; Newman, G.: Nolan, A.; Owen, J.; Smith, D.; Sturgeon, F.; Thompson, C.; Towers, W.; Williams E. (2014) Ecosystem effects of long-term herbivore exclusion., SNH Contract Report.
  • Miller, D.R.; Towers, W.; Ruffell, A.; Morrice, J.; Dawson, L.A.; Brooker, R. (2014) A land strategy for Northern Ireland., Report to Land Matters Task Force, Northern Ireland.
  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Black, H.I.J.; Squire, G.; McLeod, K.; Hastings, E.; Troldborg, M.; Aalders, I.; Towers, W.; Lilly, A.; Poggio, L.; Gimona, A.; Brown, I.; Castellazzi, M.; Matthews, K.B.; Baggaley, N.J. (2014) A review of ecosystem service mapping within Scottish Government RESAS funded research., Report for Scottish Government.
  • Hough, R.L.; Bengough, A.G.; Chapman, S.J.; Daniell, T.; Matthews, R.; Squire, G.; Towers, W.; White, P.J. (2014) Heat in the soil form (NIA-NGGT0017)., Interim Report for National Grid.
  • Munoz-Rojas, J.M.; Topp, K.; Ogston, M.; Pimblett, D.; Donnelly, D.; Lilly, A.; Towers, W.; Matthews, R.B. (2014) SRDP Report on draft final targeting maps and criteria., SRDP Spatial Targeting Project-Climate Change Working Group Report to Scottish Government and Final Version of the SRDP Spatial Targetting Tool.
  • Sing, L.; Towers, W.; Ellis, J. (2013) Woodland expansion in Scotland: an assessment of the opportunities and constraints using GIS., Scottish Forestry, 67, 18-25.
  • Troldborg, M.; Aalders, I.; Towers, W.; Hallett, P.D.; McKenzie, B.M.; Bengough, A.G.; Lilly, A.; Ball, B.C.; Hough, R.L. (2013) Application of Bayesian Belief Networks to quantify and map areas at risk to soil threats: using soil compaction as an example., Soil and Tillage and Research, 132, 56-68.
  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Towers, W.; Hudson, G. (2013) Prediction of soil characteristics and colour using data from the National Soils Inventory of Scotland., Geoderma, 200-201, 99-107.
  • Chapman, S.J.; Bell, J.S.; Campbell, C.D.; Hudson, G.; Lilly, A.; Nolan, A.J.; Robertson, A.H.J.; Potts, J.M.; Towers, W. (2013) Comparison of soil carbon stocks in Scottish soils between 1978 and 2009., European Journal of Soil Science, 64, 455-465.
  • Matthews, K.B.; Buchan, K.; Miller, D.G.; Towers, W. (2013) Reforming the CAP - with area-based Pillar 1 payments, who wins and who loses?, Land Use Policy, 31, 209-222.
  • Rhind, S.M.; Kyle, C.E.; Kerr, C.; Osprey, M.; Zhang, Z.L.; Duff, E.I.; Lilly, A.; Nolan, A.; Hudson, G.; Towers, W.; Bell, J.; Coull, M.C.; McKenzie, C. (2013) Concentrations and geographic distribution of selected organic pollutants in Scottish surface soils, Environmental Pollution, 182, 15-27.
  • Donnelly, D.; Miller, D.R.; Towers, W. (2013) Scottish Soil Database and Website., AGI Scotland Conference, University of Glasgow, 27 February 2013.
  • Matthews, K.B.; Bell, J.; Brown, I.; Donnelly, D.; McKeen, M.; Miller, D.G.; Towers, W. (2013) Future CAP payments: considerations for the use of the Land Capability for Agriculture Classification and Maps as a basis for the regionalisation of the Basic Payment Scheme., Internal Report for the James Hutton Institute Management, 12 June 2013.
  • Miller, D.R.; Birnie, R.V.; Dunn, S.M.; Hough, R.L.; Morrice, J.; Roberts, D.; Stutter, M.I.; Sutherland, L-A.; Towers, W. (2013) Review of renewable energy research at the James Hutton Institute., Report to Scottish Government.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Bell, J.S.; Hewison, R.L.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2013) Soil survey maps and reports, scale 1:10,000, Volume 20 - Fiunary Forest, Lochaber Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Towers, W.; Donnelly, D. (2013) The Use of Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) as a mechanism to ‘fine-tune’ Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) assessments in Scotland: an exploratory study., Technical Note to Scottish Government.
  • Slee, B.; Brown, I.; Donnelly, D.; Gordon, I.J.; Matthews. K.B.; Towers, W. (2013) The squeezed middle: potential conflicts over Scotland’s intermediate quality rural land., The James Hutton Institute.

  • Dawson, L.A.; Towers, W.; Owen, J.; White, D.; Coull, M.C.; Ross, J.M.; Donnelly, D.; Cooper, P. (2010) Soils of the crofts., In: Dawson, L.A., Morrice, J. & Rodway, P. Soils of the Crofts. The James Hutton Institute Publication with Crofting Connections, Aberdeen, 130pp.
  • Towers, W.; Hester, A.J.; Malcolm, A.; Hall, J.; Stone, D. (2004) The potential for native woodland in Scotland: the native woodland model., Natural Heritage Management Series. Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Perth. 56p. Includes CD ROM. ISBN: 1 85397 390 4
  • Richman, A.G.; Bell, J.S.; Towers, W. (1993) 1:250 000 scale sludge utilization suitability map of Orkney Mainland., Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen. (Restricted circulation).
  • Macmillan, D.C. and Towers, W. (1990) Predicted yield class and windthrow hazard class for Sitka spruce in Grampian Region., Maps.
  • Hudson, G.; Towers, W.; Bibby, J.S.; Henderson, D.J. (1982) Soil and Land Capability for Agriculture (The Outer Hebrides)., The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, 1982.
  • Futty, D.W.; Towers, W. (1982) Soil and Land Capability for Agriculture (Northern Scotland)., The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, 1982.

  • Donnelly, D.; Towers, W.; Lilly, A.; Matthews, K.B. (2020) Method for applying biophysical constraints to delineate Areas of Natural Constraint in Scotland (2019)., Report to Scottish Government, 54pp.
  • Donnelly, D.; Towers, W. (2016) Method for applying biophysical constraints to delineate areas of natural constraint in Scotland., Technical Report to Scottish Government and EU Joint Research Centre.
  • Matthews, K.B.; Miller, D.G.; Towers, W.; Squire, G.R.; Hawes, C.; Pakeman, R.J.; Brooker, R.; Brown, I.; Owen, J.; Vinten, A.J.A.; MacLeod, C.J.A. (2016) CAP Greening Review, Summary., Scottish Government and The James Hutton Institute Website.
  • Squire, G.R.; Hawes, C.; Pakeman, R.J.; Brooker, R.; Brown, I.; Towers, W.; Owen, J.; Vinten, A.J.A.; MacLeod, C.J.A. (2016) CAP Greening Review, Part 4, Expert Panel Review. Views of members of the expert panel on CAP Greening., Scottish Government and The James Hutton Institute Websites.
  • Towers, W.; Miller, D.G.; Matthews, K.B. (eds.) (2016) CAP Greening Review, Part 1:Trends in Environmental Indicators - A brief overview of recent trends in key environmental indicators in Scotland, covering biodiversity, water quality, land, including soils and climate change., Scottish Government and The James Hutton Institute Websites.
  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Black, H.I.J.; Squire, G.; McLeod, K.; Hastings, E.; Troldborg, M.; Aalders, I.H.; Towers, W.; Lilly, A.; Brown, I.; Coull, M.C.; Castellazzi, M.; Matthews, K.B.; Baggaley, N.J. (2016) A review of ecosystem service mapping within Scottish Government RESAS-funded research., Report for Scottish Government.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Riach, D.J.; Towers, W.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2016) Soil Survey Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 54 - Salachan Forest, Lochaber Forest District. (2016), Digital data submitted to Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Hewison, R.L.; Nolan, A.J.; Riach, D.J.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2016) Soil Survey Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 53 - Greenburn Block, Loch Ard Forst (South), Cowal and Trossachs Forest Distric.t (2016), Digital data submitted to Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Towers, W.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Donnelly, D.; Campbell, G. (2016) Soil Survey Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 45 - Aberdeenshire Forest Blocks and New Acquisitions, Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest District. (2016)., Digital data submitted to Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Gwatkin, R.; Donnelly, D. (2016) Soil Survey Map Data and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 41 - Appin and West Barcaldine Blocks, West Argyll Forest District (2015)., Digital data to Forestry Commission, Scotland.
  • Towers, W.; Chapman, S.J.; Artz, R.R.E.; Miller, D.R. (2015) Carbon-rich soil, deep peat and priority peatland habitats map., Consultation response to Scottish Natural Heritage from the James Hutton Institute.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D,J.; Towers, W.; Riach, D.J.; Gwatkin, R.; Donnelly, D. (2015) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 39 - Dalchork Forest, North Highland Forest District. (2014)., Digital Data submitted to Forestry Commission.
  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (2015) Lilly, A., Bell, J.S., Hudson, G., Nolan, A.J. & Towers. W. 2011. National soil inventory of Scotland 2007-2009: profile description and soil sampling protocols. (NSIS_2). Technical Bulletin, James Hutton Institute., Scotland's Soils Website.
  • Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Hudson, G.; Nolan, A.J.; Towers, W. (Compilers) (2015) Lilly, A., Bell, J.S., Hudson, G., Nolan, A.J. & Towers. W. (Compilers) 2010. National soil inventory of Scotland (NSIS_1); site location, sampling and profile description protocols. (1978-1988)., Scotland's Soils Website.
  • Miller, D.G.; Matthews, K.B.; Towers, W.; Pakeman, R.J.; Brooker, R.J.; Squire, G.; Hawes, C.; Vinten, A.J.A.; MacLeod, C.; Owen, J.; Wardell-Johnson, D.H. (2014) CAP Greening Review - Expert panel - Interim results., Technical Report for Policy.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.; Baggaley, N.; Donnelly, D. (2014) Soil Survey Maps and Reports, Scale 1:10,000, Volume 31 - South Loch Ard & Drumore Block, Loch Ard Forest, Cowal & Trossachs Forest District., Digital data submitted to Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Mitchell, R.J.; Lilly, A.; Bell, J.S.; Cameron, C.; Donald, C.; Fielding, D.; Green, G.; Hewison, R.H.; McIntyre, S.; Newman, G.: Nolan, A.; Owen, J.; Smith, D.; Sturgeon, F.; Thompson, C.; Towers, W.; Williams E. (2014) Ecosystem effects of long-term herbivore exclusion., SNH Contract Report.
  • Miller, D.R.; Towers, W.; Ruffell, A.; Morrice, J.; Dawson, L.A.; Brooker, R. (2014) A land strategy for Northern Ireland., Report to Land Matters Task Force, Northern Ireland.
  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Black, H.I.J.; Squire, G.; McLeod, K.; Hastings, E.; Troldborg, M.; Aalders, I.; Towers, W.; Lilly, A.; Poggio, L.; Gimona, A.; Brown, I.; Castellazzi, M.; Matthews, K.B.; Baggaley, N.J. (2014) A review of ecosystem service mapping within Scottish Government RESAS funded research., Report for Scottish Government.
  • Hough, R.L.; Bengough, A.G.; Chapman, S.J.; Daniell, T.; Matthews, R.; Squire, G.; Towers, W.; White, P.J. (2014) Heat in the soil form (NIA-NGGT0017)., Interim Report for National Grid.
  • Munoz-Rojas, J.M.; Topp, K.; Ogston, M.; Pimblett, D.; Donnelly, D.; Lilly, A.; Towers, W.; Matthews, R.B. (2014) SRDP Report on draft final targeting maps and criteria., SRDP Spatial Targeting Project-Climate Change Working Group Report to Scottish Government and Final Version of the SRDP Spatial Targetting Tool.
  • Matthews, K.B.; Bell, J.; Brown, I.; Donnelly, D.; McKeen, M.; Miller, D.G.; Towers, W. (2013) Future CAP payments: considerations for the use of the Land Capability for Agriculture Classification and Maps as a basis for the regionalisation of the Basic Payment Scheme., Internal Report for the James Hutton Institute Management, 12 June 2013.
  • Miller, D.R.; Birnie, R.V.; Dunn, S.M.; Hough, R.L.; Morrice, J.; Roberts, D.; Stutter, M.I.; Sutherland, L-A.; Towers, W. (2013) Review of renewable energy research at the James Hutton Institute., Report to Scottish Government.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Towers, W.; Donnelly, D. (2013) Soil survey maps and reports, scale 1:10,000, Volume 21 - Beinn Bhan Block, Loch Ard Forest, Cowal and Trossachs Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Henderson, D.J.; Bell, J.S.; Hewison, R.L.; Towers, W.; Beesley, L.; Donnelly, D. (2013) Soil survey maps and reports, scale 1:10,000, Volume 20 - Fiunary Forest, Lochaber Forest District., Forest Enterprise Scotland.
  • Avery, L.M.; Abel, C.; Tamburini, M.; Randerson, P.; Towers, W.; Hough, R.L. (2013) Evidence for SEPA administrative change in consent at Dinnet WWTP., Report to SEPA, May 2013.
  • Towers, W.; Xiao, X.; Lilly, A.; Donnelly, D.; Woodfield, M.; Miller, D.R. (2013) Scotland's soils website., Final Report to Scottish Government of Scottish Website, launched at Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, 10 December 2013.
  • Towers, W.; Donnelly, D. (2013) The Use of Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) as a mechanism to ‘fine-tune’ Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) assessments in Scotland: an exploratory study., Technical Note to Scottish Government.
  • Roberts, D.; Thomson, K.; Dinnie, L.; Brown, K.; Martin-Ortega, J.; McKee, A.; Prager, K.; Pages, M.; Towers, W.; Munoz-Rojas, J.; Slee, B. (2013) Improving implementationn and increasing uptake of measures to improve water quality in Scotland: key messages for informing policy makers., Scottish Government Land Reform Review Group (LRRG): Call for Evidence - Submission on behalf of the James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, 11 January 2013.
  • Slee, B.; Brown, I.; Donnelly, D.; Gordon, I.J.; Matthews. K.B.; Towers, W. (2013) The squeezed middle: potential conflicts over Scotland’s intermediate quality rural land., The James Hutton Institute.

  • Towers, W.; Alexander, P.; Troldborg, M.; Hough, R.L.; Miller, D.R.; Dunn, S.M.; Horne, P. (2014) Renewable energy from land: opportunities and constraints., Proceedings of SRUC/SEPA Conference Agriculture and Environment, Delivering Multiple Benefits from our Land; Sustainable Development in Practice, Edinburgh, 15-16 April 2014, pp 92-98.
  • Towers, W.; Xiao, X.; Sneddon, S.; Woodfield, M.; Donnelly, D.; Lilly, A.; Miller, D.R.; Dobbie, K.; Bruneau, P.M.C. (2014) Delivery of soils information over the web., Proceedings of SRUC/SEPA Conference Agriculture and Environment, Delivering Multiple Benefits from our Land; Sustainable Development in Practice, Edinburgh, 15-16 April 2014, pp304-305.
  • Towers, W.; Black, H.I.J.; Campbell, C.D. (2014) The Scottish soil framework: Implementing soil protection policy at regional scale., Proceedings of the FORRISK International Workshop on Soil Degradation Risks in Planted Forests, Bilbao, Spain, 10 September 2014.
  • Donnelly, D.; Miller, D.R.; Towers, W. (2013) Scottish Soil Database and Website., AGI Scotland Conference, University of Glasgow, 27 February 2013.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donnelly, D.; Chapman, S.J.; Towers, W.; Aitkenhead, M.; Andersen, R.; Coupar, A.; Bain, C.; Hughes J. (2012) WISE peatland choices - a scoping tool for the prioritisation of restoration needs of peatlands in Scotland., British Ecological Society Joint BES and IUCN UK Symposium, Bangor University, Wales, 26-28 June 2012.
  • Troldborg, M.; Hough, R.L.; Aalders, I.H.; Towers, W.; Lilly, A.; Hallet, P.; Bengough, A.G.; McKenzie, B.M.; Ball, B. (2012) Assessing soil compaction risk using a Bayesian Belief Network., EUROSOIL 2012, Soil Science for the Benefit of Mankind and Environment, 4th International Congress of the European Confederation of Soil Science Societies (ECSSS), Bari, Italy, 2-6 July 2012. Oral presentation
  • Sample, J.; Dunn, S.M.; Brown, I.; Towers, W. (2012) Climate change and the land use strategy for Scotland: implications for the nation's water resources., IWA World Congress on Water, Climate, Energy. Dublin, Ireland, 12-18 May 2012 .
  • Sample, J.; Dunn, S.M.; Brown, I.; Towers, W. (2012) Scotland's water resources: impacts of land use and climate change., Proceedings of the 11th British Hydrological Society National Symposium, University of Dundee, Dundee, 9-11 July 2012.
  • Troldborg, M.; Hough, R.L.; Aalders, I.; Towers, W.; Hallett, P.D.; Bengough, G.; McKenzie, B.M.; Ball, B. (2011) Quantification of soil compaction risk using Bayesian belief networks., Pedometrics 2011 - Innovations in Pedometrics (eds. O. Jaksik, A. Klement and L. Boruvka). Book of abstracts. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 30 August - 3 September 2011. ISBN:978-80-213-2195-3.
  • Aalders, I.H.; Hough, R.L.; Towers, W. (2010) Soil risk - identifying vulnerability hotspots., Spatial Analysis and Modelling for Environmental Studies - Annual Meeting of Association of American Geographers, 14-18 April 2010.
  • Britton, A.J.; Hester, A.J.; Beale, C.; Hewison, R.L.; Towers, W. (2010) Drivers of biodiversity change in british alpine habitats., Global Change and the World's Mountains, Perth, Scotland, 26-30 September 2010.
  • Hester, A.J.; Towers, W.; Donnelly, D. (2010) Current site characteristics: a framework for modelling native woodland potential., Glenfeschie Estate Habitats Restoration Seminar, Aviemore, 25 June 2010. Invited paper.
  • Dawson, L.A.; Czerniakiewicz, M.; Handley, K.; Hillier, S.; Robertson, J.; Ross, J.M.; Towers, W.; Donnelly, D.; Mayes, R.W. (2010) A complementary approach to the forensic analysis of soil in case investigations., International Workshop on Criminal and Environmental Soil Forensics, 3rd, Long Beach, California, 2-4 November 2010.
  • Campbell, C.D.; Towers, W.; Dawson, L.A.; Coull, M.C. (2010) Public engagement - How we make soils entertaining., World Congress of Soil Science: Soil Solutions for a Changing World, 19th, Brisbane Australia, 1-6 August 2010.
  • Towers, W.; Creamer, R.; Broll, G.; Darboux, F.; Duewel, O.; Hallett, S.; Houskova, B.; Jones, A.; Lobnik, F.; Micheli, E.; Zdruli, P. (2010) Soil awareness and education - developing a pan European approach., World Congress of Soil Science: Soil Solutions for a Changing World, 19th, Brisbane Australia, 1-6 August 2010.
  • Brown, I.; Towers, W.; Rivington, M.; Black, H.I.J. (2009) Land capability: a strategic planning tool for integrated climate change responses., International Association of Research Universities Climate Change Congress: Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions, Copenhagen 10-12 March 2009.
  • Hough, R.L.; Towers, W.; Aalders, I.H. (2008) Investigating the use of Bayesian Belief Networks to assess the influence., Eurosoil 2008, Soil-Society-Environment. Session: Soils and Climate Change. Conference Proceedings, Vienna, Austria, 25-29 August 2008.
  • Campbell, C.D.; Towers, W.; Hough, R.L.; Black, H.I.J. (2008) Protecting the Nation's soil - past, present and future., SAC/SEPA Biennial Conference Agriculture and the Environment VII Land Management in a Changing Environment, Edinburgh, 26-27 March 2008.
  • Dawson, L.A.; Morrisson, A.; Macdonald, L.M.; Ross, J.M.; Mayes, R.W.; Robertson, J.; Towers, W.; Brewer, M. (2007) Soil Forensics University Network (SoilFUN) Protocols., Soil Forensics International Conference, Edinburgh, 30 October - 1 November 2007.
  • Debeljak, M.; Kocev, D.; Towers, W.; Griffiths, B.S.; Hallett, P.D. (2005) Application of multi objective regression models to map the resilience characteristics of soil., 5th European Ecological Modelling Conference, Pushchino, Russia, 19-23 September 2005.
  • Birnie, R.V.B.; Aitkenhead, M.; Lumsdon, P.; Miller, D.R.; Towers, W.; Wright, G.G.; Gill, M. (2005) The changing role of remote sensing for land resource assessment in scotland: lessons for the future., Proceedings of Annual Conference of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetric Society.
  • Towers, W.; Sprent, J.I.; Birnie, R.V.B. (2004) Energy landscapes: maximising biodiversity gains from biomass energy., Proceedings of Energy and the Natural Heritage, SNH Conference, Pitlochry, November 2004.
  • Birnie, R.V.B.; Aitkenhead, M.; Lumsdon, P.; Miller, D.R.; Towers, W.; Wright, G.G.; Gill, M. (2004) The changing role of remote sensing for land resource assessment in Scotland: lessons for the future., Proceedings of Annual Conference of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetric Society. Published on cd-rom.
  • Betson, M.; Anthony, S.; Lord, E.; Dunn, S.M.; Lilly, A.; DeGroote, J.; Towers, W.; Struve, J.; Tagg, A.; Abbott, C.; Lewis, D.; MacDonald, J.; Badger, R.; Ferris, N.; Ward, B. (2004) A GIS decision support screening tool for diffuse pollution in Scotland and Northern Ireland., SAC/SEPA Biennial Conference on Agriculture and the Environment V: Water Framework Directive and Agriculture.
  • Towers, W.; Campbell, C.D.; Paton, G.I.; Paterson, E.; Dawson, J.J.C.; Cameron, C.M.; Coull, M.C.; Christie, P.; Scanlan, C. (2003) The development of a biological sensitivity classification of soils to heavy metals., Proceedings of "Integrating Novel Approaches to Pollution Research in Terrestrial and Marine Environments". A Joint BSSS/SETAC-UK Meeting, 8-10 September 2003.
  • Dawson, L.A., Towers, W., Mayes, R.W., Craig, J., Vaisanen, K. and Waterhouse, C. (2003) Use of plant wax in signatures in understanding Scottish soils., Annual Meeting of Geological Society, London. March 2003.
  • Miller, D.R., Robertson, A., Towers, W., Malcolm, A. and McKeen, M. (2001) Modelling of after-use options for cut-over peatland on Islay., Proceedings of After-use of Peat Production Areas, Workshop, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, May 2001.
  • Towers, W.; Coull, M.C.; Paterson, E. (2001) Upland soils: an altitudinal or ecological definition., Proceedings of Soils and the Uplands, British Society of Soil Science Annual Conference, Durham, September 2001. Oral presentation.
  • Towers, W.; Horne, P.L.; Paterson, E.; Coull, M.C. (2001) Recycling of sewage sludge to land: legislative, scientific and practical considerations., In: Proceedings of Recycling and Reuse of Sewage Sludge (eds. Dhir, R.K., Limbachiya, M.C. and McCarthy, M.J.). University of Dundee, March 2001, pp273-286.
  • Towers, W.; Hester, A.J.; Malcolm, A.; Stone, D. (2001) A strategic approach to native woodland expansion in the Scottish uplands., Proceedings of Forestry Beyond the Timberline, Akureyri, Iceland, June 2000. Annals of the Icelandic Forestry Society, pp132-136.

  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Baggs, L.; Towers, W.; Black, H.I.J. (2015) BSSS and the IYS: The British Society of Soil Science in the International Year of Soils., European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2015 (EGU2015), Vienna, Austria, 12-17 April 2015. Poster.
  • Aitkenhead, M.J.; Baggs, L.; Towers, W.; Black, H.I.J. (2015) BSSS and IYS: The British Society of Soil Science in the International Year of Soils., Poster of EGU2015, Vienna, April 2015.
  • Towers, W.; Lilly, A.; Nolan, A.; Bell, J.; Black, H.I.J. (2014) The application of new technologies at landscape scale., Delving Into The Dark; Emerging Techniques; Approaches and Tools For Soils Research, BSSS Annual Meeting, University of Manchester, 3-4 September 2014, p20.
  • Jones, A.; Banpa, F.; Towers, W.; Broll, G.; Vargas, R. (2014) A soil plan to awaken society beyond 2015., EGU General Assembly 2014, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 2 May 2014. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 16, EGU2014-1496.
  • Towers, W.; Alton, K.; Hallett, S. (2014) Education and awareness raising activities of the British Society of Soil Science., EGU General Assembly 2014, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 2 May 2014. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 16, EGU2014-6657.
  • Nolan, A.J.; Rayner, B.; Kennedy, A.; Brown, C.; Donnelly, D.; Bell, J.S.; Henderson, D.J.; Towers, W.; Hewison, R.L.; Beesley, L.; Riach, D.J.R. (2014) Sustainable forestry: the imperative of soil mapping in forest resource inventory, modelling and management in Scotland, UK., 20th World Congress of Soil Science, Soils Embrace Life and Universe, Jeju, South Korea, 8-13 June 2014.
  • Towers, W.; Dawson, L.A.; Coull, M.C.; Miller, D.R.; Campbell, C.D. (2012) Innovative mechanisms for soil engagement - the Scottish experience., EUROSOIL 2012, Soil Science for the Benefit of Mankind and Environment, 4th International Congress of the European Confederation of Soil Science Societies (ECSSS), Bari, Italy, 2-6 July 2012. Proceedings, p2628.
  • Towers, W. (2012) Soil management and policy: A Scottish perspective., EUROSOIL 2012, Soil Science for the Benefit of Mankind and Environment, 4th International Congress of the European Confederation of Soil Science Societies (ECSSS), Bari, Italy, 2-6 July 2012. Proceedings, p2641.
  • Miller, D.R.; Towers, W.; Brown, I. (2012) Management tools for delivering multiple benefits from rural land use., Joint SAC/SEPA Biennial Conference in association with Forest Research, The James Hutton Institute and Scottish Natural Heritage "Agriculture and the Environment IX: Valuing Ecosystems: Policy, Economic and Management Interactions", Edinburgh, 3-4 April 2012.
  • Miller, D.R.; Brown, I.; Donnelly, D.; Dunn, S.M.; Matthews, K.B.; Sutherland, L.A.; Towers, W. (2012) Realising land's potential., Joint SAC/SEPA Biennial Conference in association with Forest Research, The James Hutton Institute and Scottish Natural Heritage "Agriculture and the Environment IX: Valuing Ecosystems: Policy, Economic and Management Interactions", Edinburgh, 3-4 April 2012.
  • Smith, J.; Gottschalk, P.; Bellarby, J.; Chapman, S.J.; Lilly, A.; Towers, W.; Bell, J.; Coleman, K.; Nayak, D.; Richards, M.; Hillier, J.; Flynn, H.; Wattenbach, M.; Aitkenhead, M.; Yeluripurti, J.; Farmer, J.; Milne, R.; Thomson, A.; Evans, C.; Whitmore, A.; Falloon, P.; Smith, P. (2010) Use of dynamic, process-based models of soil C and N turnover to explore tradeoffs between land use change for agricultural production and carbon sequestration., Abstract for Global Land Project Workshop - Representation of Ecosystem Services in the Modelling of Land Systems, Jurys Inn, Aberdeen, 19-20 March 2010.
  • Mayr, T.; Black, H.I.J.; Towers, W.; Palmer, R.; Cooke, H.; Freeman, M.; Hornung, M.; Wood, C.; Wright, S.; Lilly, A.; DeGroote, J.; Jones, M. (2009) What would we like our soils to do and how do we decide?, ProGEO - WG3 Meeting 2009. Geoheritage, Geodiversity and Landscape Management, Drenthe, The Netherlands, 19-23 April 2009. Programme and Abstracts.
  • Hough, R.L.; Aalders, I.H.; Towers, W. (2009) Investigating the use of Bayesian Relief Networks to assess the risk of erosion in peatland soils., 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.
  • Gottschalk, P.; Smith, J.U.; Chapman, S.J.; Bell, J.S.; Bellarby, J.; Hudson, G.; Lilly, A.; Towers, W.; Booth, E.; Walker, R.; Nayak, D.; Richards, M.; Yleuripurti, J.; Flynn, H.C.; Hillier, J.; Wattenbach, M.; Hastings, A.; Smith, P. (2009) Simulation of the impacts of changes in land use and climate on soil C fluxes from organic and mineral soils at national scale (ECOSSE)., 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) 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.
  • Hester, A.J.; Britton, A.J.; Beale, C.M.; Towers, W.; Hewison, R.L. (2008) Biodiversity losses in Scottish alpine vegetation: What are the key drivers?, EURECO-GFOE Conference, Leipzig, Germany, 14-18 September 2008.
  • Towers, W.; Cameron, C.; Robinson, L. (2008) Resampling the National Soils Inventory in Scotland ¿the interface between traditional pedology and molecular biology., Proceedings of the Annual BSSS Conference, Rothamstead, September 2008.
  • Towers, W.; Mayr, T.; Black, H.I.J.; Palmer, R.; Cooke, H.; Freeman, M.; Hornung, M.; Wood, C.; Wright, S.; Lilly, A.; DeGroote, J.; Jones, M. (2008) What would we like our soils to do and how do we decide., Eurosoil 2008, Soil-Society-Environment. Session: Land Management. Conference Proceedings, Vienna, Austria, 25-29 August 2008.
  • Towers, W. (2008) Connecting soil to society: experiences of different approaches from Scotland., Eurosoil 2008, Soil-Society-Environment. Session: Connecting Soil to Society. Conference Proceedings, Vienna, Austria, 25-29 August 2008.

Printed from /staff/willie-towers on 02/10/23 05:11:02 AM

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.