Small mammals in new farm woodlands

Published source details Moore N.P., Askew N. & Bishop J.D. (2003) Small mammals in new farm woodlands. Mammal Review, 33, 101-104.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Plant new or maintain existing hedgerows on farmland Action Link
	Plant trees on farmland Action Link

Plant new or maintain existing hedgerows on farmland

A replicated, site comparison study in 1999 on three primarily arable farms in Yorkshire, UK (Moore et al. 2003) found that establishing hedgerows alongside arable land increased small mammal abundance. Average small mammal abundance in hedgerows and adjacent rough margins (0.83 individuals/trap) was higher than on arable land (0.35 individuals/trap). Five species were caught in hedgerows and two in arable plots. Four hedgerows and ten 10 arable plots were surveyed. Hedgerow age and composition were not specified in the paper. Arable plots were sown with winter cereals and contained little cover. Small mammals were surveyed using Longworth live traps over four continuous days and nights, between 22 November and 4 December 1999.

(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
Plant trees on farmland

A replicated, controlled study in 1999 on three mainly arable farms in Yorkshire, UK (Moore et al. 2003) found that establishing new woodland plantations on former arable land increased small mammal abundance. Average small mammal abundance in plantations (1.1 individuals/trap) was higher than on arable land (0.4 individuals/trap). Small mammal species richness in plantations (4–6 species/site) was also higher than on arable land (1–4 species/site), although this difference was not tested for statistical significance. Twelve plantations (0.17–2.0 ha), established in 1992–1997, were surveyed, along with arable plots adjacent to 10 of these. Plantations, predominantly of broad-leaved trees, were on ex-arable land. Dense grasses and other herbaceous plants dominated vegetation at time of surveys. Planted trees were ≤4 m high. Arable plots were sown with winter cereals and contained little cover. Small mammals were surveyed using Longworth live traps over four continuous days and nights, between 22 November and 4 December 1999.

(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)