Translocating Wood Ants to Restore UK Forest Ecology: A Field Trial

Wood ants play a crucial ecological role in forests by moving nutrients and defending against pests, yet they are present in only a fraction of UK woodlands. In a recent field trial, researchers moved nests from Cropton Forest in Yorkshire to Ennidale in Cumbria to test translocation methods and observe survival during transit and over winter. The team relocated 26 nests, carefully reassembling them in the original order and testing two approaches: moving entire small nests or transferring only layers from larger nests. All ants survived a 3.5 hour journey and remained active after relocation. By monitoring nest movement, winter dormancy, and spring recovery, researchers aim to identify best practices and potentially expand translocation to other forests, contributing to ecological restoration and natural pest defense.

Overview

New Scientist reports on a forest ecology project focused on wood ants, a species that supports biodiversity by dispersing nutrients and acting as a natural pest defense. Despite their benefits, wood ants inhabit only about 14% of the UK’s woodlands, highlighting a gap in forest resilience and ecosystem services.

Rationale

Wood ants are generalist predators and key habitat engineers. The research team is exploring translocation to establish new populations in suitable habitats and to study how these ants can influence forest health when moved to gaps in forest cover where natural dispersal is limited.

Methods

The project began in May with six nests moved from Cropton Forest in Yorkshire to Ennidale in Cumbria, with a total of 26 nests reassembled in roughly the same configuration as they were dug up. Researchers are testing two translocation methods: (1) relocating whole small nests, and (2) moving only parts of larger nests. In both approaches, nests are disassembled by layers and reassembled in the same order, akin to stacking a cake, to preserve nest structure and microhabitat conditions.

Results and Next Steps

Initial concerns about transit viability were addressed, with all ants surviving the 3.5 hour journey and nests remaining active. The team will monitor relocation outcomes as nests move and enter winter dormancy. In April, they will assess which nests are strong enough to withstand winter conditions and compare the two translocation methods to identify best practices. The long-term aim is to scale up translocations to other forests and contribute to ecological restoration and natural forest defense systems.

Implications

Success could demonstrate a feasible method to expand wood ant populations, enhancing pest control, nutrient cycling, and overall forest resilience. The project also exemplifies a practical, in-field approach to restoring ecological function through targeted species relocation, aligning with conservation and sustainable forestry goals.