Ecological effects of afforestation: A case study of Burrator, Dartmoor

Intensively managed coniferous afforestation schemes cause profound changes to the components of an ecosystem. This paper reviews the ecological effects of afforestation around Burrator Reservoir, Dartmoor (1916–1990). The human management decisions concerning the development of the plantations are considered, together with the ecological consequences. This research shows that the less intensive management regime for the forests at Burrator has resulted in a woodland ecosystem with a more complicated structure than might have been expected from a more intensively managed scheme. An assessment of the potential changes to forest management following water privatization is also made, together with a consideration of the possible ecological impacts.