WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Researchers opened 24-by-24-metre glades at six sites and fenced paired subplots. Grazers and browsers selected clearings in fine-leaved woodland more than broad-leaved stands. Browsing after one growing season kept resprouting shoots relatively short, but preference depended strongly on tree type.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
For managers, clearing is the first disturbance, not a completed regime. Test herbivore visitation, resprout height, plant composition and costs by woody species before extrapolating small-glade designs.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
Only six sites and one growing season; no evidence yet that grazing feedback will keep glades open without future maintenance over multiple years.
SOURCE
Journal of Applied Ecology · paired clearing/exclosure experiment
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