Alice Holt Research Station facts for kids
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Field of research
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Forestry |
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Chief Research Officer
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Prof Peter Freer-Smith |
| Address | Alice Holt Forest |
| Location | Hampshire, UK |
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Operating agency
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Forestry Research |
| Website | Forestry Research |
The Alice Holt Research Station is a special place in north-east Hampshire, UK. It's one of only two main research centers in Britain that study forests and trees.
Contents
Discovering the Past
The Alice Holt Research Station started in 1946. It was set up by the Forestry Commission, which looks after forests in Britain. It is located near Wrecclesham.
By the late 1950s, the station was known around the world. In 1959, a new part was added. This allowed the station to store seeds for many tree types. These included Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, Corsican pine, and Norway spruce.
Most of the seeds stored were from conifer trees. They could be kept for up to four years. Acorns were also stored for up to three years. More laboratories were built in the late 1970s.
Amazing Tree Research
In 1948, scientists at Alice Holt began studying Metasequoia glyptostroboides, also known as the dawn redwood. They wanted to see if this tree could be grown for timber.
In the late 1950s, the station's scientists were pioneers. They used computers to understand tree growth. They found out why Douglas-fir trees didn't grow well in south-east England. It was because of the temperature and how deep their roots could go.
Computers helped them find many solutions for tree problems. The station even found a new way to measure daily tree growth using special tools called vernier scales. They also used computers to sort trees by their leaf shapes. The station did important research on eucalyptus and poplar trees.
Fighting Tree Diseases
In April 1973, scientists at Alice Holt made a big discovery. They found that Dutch elm disease had arrived in Britain. It came on Rock Elm logs from North America. The disease had first appeared in 1965.
Interestingly, this disease had actually traveled from Britain to North America in the 1930s. Then it came back! Scientists at the station found two different types of the disease. They realized that controlling imported logs could have stopped these outbreaks.
By 1984, Dutch elm disease had spread to Scotland. The station also worked to control other tree diseases. These included Oak wilt and Chestnut blight.
Protecting Trees from Pests
In 1973, the research station also started looking for ways to control the grey squirrel. These squirrels can sometimes harm young trees.
Chief Research Officers
- Professor Malcolm Laurie, 1946 - October 1959
- Tom Peace, October 1959 -
- David Burdekin
- Prof Peter Freer-Smith
Where is Alice Holt?
The Alice Holt Research Station is located in the Alice Holt Forest. It is near Birdworld in East Hampshire. You can find it off the A325 road. It's east of Bentley railway station, which is on the Alton Line next to the River Wey. The closest village is Rowledge in Surrey.
