Ruth Mitchell
Ecological Sciences
Scottish Crop Research Institute
United Kingdom
Biography
Ruth Mitchell is a plant/soil research scientist within the Ecology Sciences Group at the Institute with 15 years experience of working on a wide range of applied ecological research projects. Her research focuses on the impact of pressures on above and below ground biodiversity and habitat restoration.
Research Interest
Ruth's research focuses on the impact of abiotic and anthropogenic factors on above and below-ground biodiversity and habitat restoration. Most recently Ruth has been working on the potential ecological impacts of the tree disease ash dieback (also known as Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus or Chalara fraxinea). She lead a team of reachers who identified those species that are most closely associated with ash and therefore are most at risk from ash dieback. In addition the team identified the unique ecological functioning of ash trees compared to other native trees in the UK and produced a range of tools to aid woodland managers in conserving ash associated biodiversity.
Publications
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Mitchell, R.J.; Pakeman, R.J.; Broome, A.; Beaton, J.K.; Bellamy, P.E.; Brooker, R.W.; Ellis, C.J.; Hester, A.J.; Hodgetts, N.G.; Iason, G.R.; Littlewood, N.A.; Pozsgai, G.; Ramsay, S.; Riach, D.; Stockan, J.A.; Taylor, A.F.S.; Woodward, S., (2016) How to replicate the functions and biodiversity of a threatened tree species? the case of Fraxinus excelsior in Britain., Ecosystems, 19, 573-586.
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Mitchell, R.J.; Beesley, L.; Donald, C.; Green, G.; Hewison, R.L.; Owen, I.J.; Newman, G.; Sturgeon, F.; White, D.; Williams, E.; Black, H.I.J., (2016) Applying soil indicators at biomonitoring sites., Scottish Environment Protection Agency Commissioned Report No. TT1508, 51pp.
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Mitchell, R.; Hewison, R.; Britton, A.; Pakeman, R.J.; Hester, A., (2016) Long-term changes in Scottish grassland plant communities., In: Pakeman, R.J. (ed.). Grassland Biodiversity. The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, pp4-5.
