Early Mortality and Survival of Self-Sown Seedlings in Glenfeshie, Inverness-Shire

On most upland range in Scotland the tree cover was destroyed centuries ago and persistent burning and grazing have deflected the subsequent development of the vegetation into relatively stable types of plagioclimax with a probable loss of species diversity over large areas (Gimingham 1964; McVean & Ratcliffe 1962; McVean & Lockie 1969). To develop wildlife and grazing values, it is now often desirable to introduce additional species to many sites, including trees and shrubs as well as herbs, and to encourage their regeneration and spread. However, the establishment of new plants from seed appears to be rather uncommon in many closed herbaceous and dwarf shrub communities (Miles 1972) and little is known on the subject. The aim of this study was to examine the early mortality and survival of self-sown seedlings in a Highland glen used primarily as a range for red deer (Cervus elaphus L.). It was hoped that the results would indicate the amount of seedling establishment in such an area and the levels, and perhaps the causes, of mortality.