Willow scrub

Aim

The aim of this guide is to describe methods of assessing Willow Scrub habitat relevant to deer managers.*

Habitat description

Willow scrub is a rare plant community in Scotland and consists of small fragmentary stands of sub-arctic or alpine willow species (downy, woolly, mountain and whortle-leaved willows — see species listed) on steep slopes and cliff ledges, usually between altitudes of 600 - 900 m. This represents the top edge of ‘natural tree line’ habitat and the willows tend to be short and scrubby small plants or bushes as opposed to trees.

 


downy
Much-branched shrub. Height: 0.2-1m. Leaves: 1.5-7cm x 1-2.5cm

Willow scrub species:

Downy willow/ Salix Lapponum
Woolly willow/ Salix Lanata
Mountain willow/ Salix Arbuscula
Whortle-leaved willow/ Salix Myrsinites

Key indicators

The main impact that deer have on willows is browsing. Direct deer browsing impacts are assessed by measuring the shoots browsed by deer and the frequency of flowering.

Other impacts

Other herbivores particularly goats and hares may also gain access to and browse willows. For information on what time of year to measure, see BPG Habitat Impact Assessment: Principles and Practice.

What to measure How to analyse
Record the number of shoots browsed on each willow plant by deer (based on the angle of cut**) Average the number of shoots browsed per willow
Record whether willow plant is flowering or not For each site, summarise the frequency*** of flowering willow plants (for example: 2/16 willow plants, flowering; 14/16 willow plants not flowering.
Record height of each willow plant: straight vertical distance from the ground to the highest point on the plant WITHOUT lifting or stretching the plant Average the height of all willows
Record the annual growth by measuring the shoot extension to last years node on five random shoots on each willow (see illustration below) Average the annual shoot growth of all willows
Take digital photo of each willow from fixed point (see illustration above) Will enable detection of gross changes in willow size and shape over time