First results just in

Описание: At Bunloit Estate we’ve been experimenting with ways to protect young trees from deer browsing.
 
It started with Senior Ranger Daniel Holm tying sheep fleece to young trees. 
 
The trial was extended to three comparable areas where we monitored:
an untreated control area (4 plots)
a Trico-treated (lanolin spray) area (4 plots)
a sheep fleece treated area (4 plots)

The early findings are encouraging.
 
While this is a small-scale trial and further testing is essential, the initial results suggest that:
untreated saplings suffered the heaviest browsing
Trico reduced damage
saplings protected with sheep fleece showed the lowest levels of browsing

As Penelope Whitehorn, co-Chief Scientist at Highlands Rewilding, explains in the film, these results are not yet conclusive. Factors such as deer movement patterns and plot location also play a role, and we’re taking those into account as we analyse the data.
 
We’ll continue to apply these treatments and share updates as the picture becomes clearer.
Thank you to everyone who’s been following and engaging with the story so far.

#naturebasedsolutions #deermanagement #naturerestoration ‪@forestryandlandscotland‬