Project Description
In pursuing a personal passion to restore the Caledonian Forests of Scotland, Alan Watson Featherstone developed an understanding of the key ecological principles needed to guide positive trophic cascades. By fencing remnant vegetation to reduce herbivory, ecological processes were reinstated to do the hard work of recovery. Rewilding projects are underway to complete ecosystem functionality. This is an inspirational video of volunteer enthusiasm making a difference.
| Topic | Mins: seconds |
|---|---|
| Opening Title | 00:00 |
| Bradley sisters- key principle | 0:10 |
| Background of Caledonian Forest | 0:35 |
| The need for restoration- Forest retreat | 1:20 |
| Restoration of Biodiversity- A new story | 4:40 |
| Extinctions in Scotland and the world | 5:15 |
| Scottish loss of diversity and inability to recolonise-outdoor relics | 6:20 |
| Cultural connection with nature severed | 8:00 |
| Threats to recovery –fragmentation, grazing, nutrient loss | 9:00 |
| Elements of successful ecological restoration | 13:10 |
| Caledonian forests- their restoration- goals and passion | 14:55 |
| Collaboration and partnerships | 16:15 |
| Fencing of 50ha- monitoring | 16:40 |
| Natural regeneration v’s revegetation and fencing protection- trophic cascades | 19:10 |
| Measure of success- Aim of the project | 22:15 |
| Seedbank and fencing of peat hags | 23:00 |
| Positive trophic cascades and keystone species | 25:05 |
| Fenced Wild boar reintroduction experiment to control bracken | 29:55 |
| Rewilding- return of missing species. The beaver (keystone species), Red Squirrel translocation | 31:20 |
| Return of missing predators | 34:07 |
| Some principles of ecological restoration | 34:32 |
| Ecological restoration is reconnecting people to the landscape | 38:35 |
| Communicating Passion leads to positive outcomes | 41:25 |
| The personal impact of restoration is global | 42:45 |
| Trees For Life contact details | 43:27 |
| End credits | 43:34 |
Read More – Links
- Trees For Life
- Restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest- Alan Watson Featherstone. TEDxFindhorn
- Arid recovery-Roxby Downs, South Australia
Learning Resources
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