Farmers urged to limit vole damage to trees

SCOTTISH farmers are being urged to combat potentially ‘catastrophic’ damage voles can cause to young woodland.

The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) says thin-barked broadleaved trees such as sycamore are particularly vulnerable to these fast-breeding rodents, which like to gnaw at the bark.

Both bank voles and field voles attack young trees, mostly during winter, the FAS explained. Bark is gnawed from the roots and lower stem.

While severe damage will girdle the tree and kill it, less severe damage can weaken the tree and allow fungal infections to enter the wood.

Guidelines have been produced for the Scottish Government by SAC Consulting.

One suggestion is providing perching poles for kestrels and nesting boxes for owls.

Simon Jacyna, senior woodlands consultant at SAC Consulting, said: ‘It’s remarkable how destructive voles can be to broadleaved trees on grassy sites.

‘Good maintenance is essential to minimise damage but, of course, this also helps the trees to grow strongly.

‘It can be very rewarding though to see owls, and possibly even wildcats, hunting over the young woodlands and protecting the trees for you.’

Meanwhile, those looking to ensure their forest nurseries thrive can find out more about the range of plants and planting methods available by visiting the FAS website.