On the 18th and 19th of October 2011 researchers, forestry workers, conservationists and ant experts gathered at The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen for the Wood Ant Symposium; an event aimed at raising the profile of wood ants in the UK. This two day event was the first of its kind, being entirely devoted to wood ants and promoting their conservation through better understanding of their ecology and habitat requirements.
Day one was devoted to current research on wood ants. The scope of presentations was broad, covering a wide range of topics from chemical ecology through to the discovery of a new species in Europe and the development of a detailed monitoring project in Switzerland.
Day two involved a more detailed look at wood ants in Scotland and focused on habitat management, survey techniques and wood ants in the public eye. I gave a talk on my work over the summer on Formica exsecta and explained the need for a standardised monitoring programme for this species in the UK, and lack of attention to some high risk, isolated populations. 
In addition, our very own Alison Greggans, BTCV National Communities Trainee and Community Networker at Abernethy National Nature Reserve gave a an account of her experience teaching the public about wood ants.
The event concluded with a field trip to Glen Tanar Estate on Deeside to see some wood ants and discover how they can be incorporated into forest management plans. Despite the chilly weather (and occasional sleet shower!) everyone was eager to sample the pinewood delights of Glen Tanar and enjoy the spectacular autumn colours. Luckily, some brave little wood ants were still active, giving everyone the opportunity to see the creatures that everyone had been talking about. Estate ranger Eric Baird and forest manager Irvine Ross led the field trip and provided an insight into the history of the estate and outlined how they protect wood ants during woodland practices. Eric pointed out the urgent need for knowledge exchange between experts and rangers to provide interpretation for the public.
In addition to oral presentations, posters were presented on a range of wood ant related topics, including wood ant “guests” and wood ants under threat from development. Experienced myrmecologist Murdo MacDonald from the Highlands Biological Recording Group kindly lent his expertise by manning an identification stand to allow people to see the features of all the UK wood and species and related species.
The event was supported by Buglife, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Forestry Commission and was kindly funded by the James Hutton Institute and the Forestry Commission as part of the International Year of Forests.
Photographs kindly provided by David Riley of the James Hutton Institute.
Hayley Wiswell
Caledonian Pinewood Invertebrates