Dr Fred Slater
Honorary Senior Research Fellow (formerly Director of Llysdinam Field Centre)
- Email:
- slaterfm@cardiff.ac.uk
- Telephone:
- +44 (0)1597 860308
Research overview
From 1970 Fred Slater worked in the then Department of Botany and Microbiology at what is now Aberystwyth University where he investigated the surface ecology of mid-Wales peatlands. In 1974 he crossed the Cambrian Mountains to take up his present position as Director of the Llysdinam Field Centre, then part of UWIST and now within the Cardiff School of Biosciences.
Over the years his research interests have broadened from the purely botanical of his Aberystwyth days to cover a wide spectrum of the natural history of mainly mid-Wales. However, while at Llysdinam he has been involved in the description of the only distinct species of native flowering plant to be discovered in England and Wales in the twentieth century; the description of a new plant association from ephemeral upland pools and more recently, research into biomass crops, so retaining his botanical credentials.
Some opportunistic work in the 1970s made it clear how little was known of amphibian ecology and distribution and lead him via 5 PhD studies and numerous other postgraduate and post doctoral assistants, to explore this avenue of zoology, contributing over 50 publications to the literature in this field.
With the River Wye flowing almost at the Field Centre's door, the "charm" of two protected but threatened river species, the otter and our native white clawed crayfish have, through the work of 3 PhD studies, several post doctoral associates and many other students, been subject to considerable investigative attention and subsequent publication. His interests have also ranged from the impact of roads on wildlife, to environmental impact assessment, from river habitat restoration to Indus River Dolphins and from ecotourism to bio-filtration.
His current interests include the production and biodiversity of willow and perennial rhizomatous grasses produced as renewable energy crops; amphibian, otter and crayfish ecology and the ecology of ephemeral upland pools. He is the author of over 150 reports and publications, mainly about the ecology of mid-Wales, including two books and chapters in several more.
Research division
- Member of the Directorate, Board and Council of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society
- Represented professional interests on the Environment Agency (Wales) Fisheries, Ecology and Recreation Advisory Committee for over 10 years
- Chartered Environmentalist
- Fellow of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (FIEEM)
- Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS)
- Welsh Assembly Government's Biomass Strategy Group
- Welsh Assembly Government Agriculture Research Advisory Group
- Cardiff Foundation for Environmental Research
- Member of WERC
2018
- Jones, W.et al. 2018. Interspecific transfer of parasites following a range-shift in Ficedula flycatchers. Ecology and Evolution 8(23), pp. 12183-12192. (10.1002/ece3.4677)
- Smith, J.et al. 2018. Short Note: Nocturnal calling by a Pied Flycatcher on arrival in breeding habitat during spring migration. British Birds 111
- Smith, J.et al. 2018. Nocturnal calling of a pied flycatcher on arrival in breeding habitat during spring migration. British Birds 2018(July)
2016
- Slater, F. 2016. From black to green: Midlands to Mid-Wales (& the World) through a countryman's eyes.. Grosvenor House.
- Slater, F. M. 2016. Ecotones, ecoclines and eco-perturbations: the aquatic flora and fauna of S'Albufera Natural Park, Mallorca: a contribution and review. Mediterranean Journal of Biosciences 1(3), pp. 120-127.
2015
- Slater, F. 2015. The Llysdinam legacy. Natur Cymru - Nature of Wales 57, pp. 35-38.
2014
- James, J.et al. 2014. Comparing the ecological impacts of native and invasive crayfish: could native species' translocation do more harm than good?. Oecologia 178(1), pp. 309-316. (10.1007/s00442-014-3195-0)
- James, J., Cable, J. and Slater, F. M. 2014. A.L.I.E.N. databases: addressing the lack in establishment of non-natives databases. Crustaceana 87(10), pp. 1192-1199. (10.1163/15685403-00003329)
- Stanton, D. W. G.et al. 2014. Contrasting genetic structure of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) across a latitudinal divide. Journal of Mammalogy 95(4), pp. 814-823. (10.1644/13-MAMM-A-201)
- Kern, M., Slater, F. M. and Cowie, R. J. 2014. Return rates and dispersal distances of Welsh Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca and factors that influence them. Ringing & Migration 29(1), pp. 1-9. (10.1080/03078698.2014.932617)
- Slater, F. M. 2014. "The Professionals": the rise of the modern ecologist. Natur Cymru(50), pp. 32-35.
2013
- Morales, J.et al. 2013. Variation in eggshell traits between geographically distant populations of pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca. Journal of Avian Biology 44(2), pp. 111-120. (10.1111/j.1600-048X.2012.05782.x)
2012
- Slater, F. M. 2012. The biodiversity of energy crops in Wales. In Practice: Institute of Ecology & Environmental management 78, pp. 12-16.
- Slater, F. M. 2012. Surface profile change at Cors Fochno (Borth Bog), Wales, UK. Presented at: 14th International Peat Congress, Stockholm, Sweden, 3-8 June 2012Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress.
- Slater, F. M. 2012. The changing natural history of Radnorshire: perception, reality and discovery. The Transactions of the Radnorshire Society LXXXII, pp. 109-124.
2011
- Hobbs, G. I.et al. 2011. Bayesian clustering techniques and progressive partitioning to identify population structuring within a recovering otter population in the UK. Journal of Applied Ecology 48(5), pp. 1206-1217. (10.1111/j.1365-2664.2011.02028.x)
- Fry, D. A. and Slater, F. M. 2011. Early rotation short rotation willow coppice as a winter food resource for birds. Biomass and Bioenergy 35(7), pp. 2545-2553. (10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.02.016)
- Smith, R. and Slater, F. M. 2011. Mobilisation of minerals and moisture loss during senescence of the energy crops Miscanthus x giganteus, Arundo donax and Phalaris arundinacea in Wales, UK. GCB Bioenergy 3(2), pp. 148-157. (10.1111/j.1757-1707.2010.01069.x)
- Eeva, T.et al. 2011. Geographical trends in the yolk carotenoid composition of the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca). Oecologia 165(2), pp. 277-287. (10.1007/s00442-010-1772-4)
- Ruuskanen, S.et al. 2011. Geographical variation in egg mass and egg content in a passerine bird. PLoS ONE 6(11), article number: e25360. (10.1371/journal.pone.0025360)
- Chadwick, E. A.et al. 2011. Lead levels in Eurasian otters decline with time and reveal interactions between sources, prevailing weather, and stream chemistry. Environmental Science and Technology 45(5), pp. 1911-1916. (10.1021/es1034602)
- Clapham, J., Slater, F. M. and Thomas, R. J. 2011. Small mammals in tall grasses: biomass crops as a novel habitat. Mammal News(159), pp. 2-2.
2010
- Williams, H.et al. 2010. Diurnal cycling of dissolved gas concentrations in a willow vegetation filter treating landfill leachate. Ecological Engineering 36(12), pp. 1680-1685. (10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.07.008)
- Williams, H.et al. 2010. Spatial variation of dissolved gas concentrations in a willow vegetation filter treating landfill leachate. Ecological Engineering 36(12), pp. 1774-1778. (10.1016/j.ecoleng.2010.07.019)
- Smith, R. and Slater, F. M. 2010. The effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer applications to Miscanthus×giganteus, Arundo donax and Phalaris arundinacea, when grown as energy crops in Wales, UK. GCB Bioenergy 2(4), pp. 169-179. (10.1111/j.1757-1707.2010.01051.x)
- Lowthe-Thomas, S. C., Slater, F. M. and Randerson, P. F. 2010. Reducing the establishment costs of short rotation willow coppice (SRC)-A trail of a novel layflat planting system at an upland site in mid-Wales. Biomass & Bioenergy 34(5), pp. 677-686. (10.1016/j.biombioe.2010.01.011)
- Bransden, A. and Slater, F. M. 2010. Ephemeral ponds & climate change in upland Wales. International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts & Responses 2(2), pp. 137-150.
2009
- Stanton, D. W. G.et al. 2009. Mitochondrial genetic diversity and structure of the European otter (Lutra lutra) in Britain. Conservation Genetics 10(3), pp. 733-737. (10.1007/s10592-008-9633-y)
- Lovegrove, R.et al. 2009. Life in Welsh Rivers: Other vertebrates. In: Williams, D. D. and Duigan, C. A. eds. The Rivers of Wales: a natural resource of international and historical significance.. Leiden: Backhuys Publishers, pp. 141-162.
- Barton, E., Slater, F. M. and Randerson, P. F. 2009. Long term changes in a Brecknock moth population. Entomologists Record and Journal of Variation 121(6), pp. 253-254.
2008
- Lowthe-Thomas, S. C.et al. 2008. Reed Canary-grass-A versatile energy crop for Wales?. Aspects of Applied Biology 90, pp. 81-86.
- Clapham, S. J. and Slater, F. M. 2008. The biodiversity of established biomass grass crops. Aspects of Applied Biology 90, pp. 325-329.
- Fry, D. and Slater, F. M. 2008. The effect on plant communites and associated taxa of planting short rotation willow coppice in Wales. Aspects of Applied Biology. Biomass and Energy Crops III 90, pp. 287-293.
- Fry, D. A. and Slater, F. M. 2008. Birds of New Zealand Willow Coppice. Ringers' Bulletin 13
- Duller, C. J.et al. 2008. The development of sustainable heat and opower fuelled by biomass from short rotation coppice in Wales. Project Report. Aberystwyth: Prifysgol Aberystwyth.
2007
- Semere, T. and Slater, F. M. 2007. Invertebrate populations in miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) and reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea) fields. Biomass and Bioenergy 31(1), pp. 30-39. (10.1016/j.biombioe.2006.07.002)
- Semere, T. and Slater, F. M. 2007. Ground flora, small mammal and bird species diversity in miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) and reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea) fields. Biomass and Bioenergy 31(1), pp. 20-29. (10.1016/j.biombioe.2006.07.001)
2006
- Hobbs, G.et al. 2006. Landscape genetics applied to a recovering otter (Lutra lutra) population in the UK: Preliminary results and potential methodologies. Hystrix : the Italian Journal of Mammalogy 17(1) (10.4404/hystrix-17.1-4364)
- Chadwick, E. A., Slater, F. M. and Ormerod, S. J. 2006. Inter- and intraspecific differences in climatically mediated phenological change in coexisting Triturus species. Global Change Biology 12(6), pp. 1069-1078. (10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006.01156.x)
- Gachel, G. S.et al. 2006. Environmental impact to the conservation of the Indus river dolphin (Platanista minor). Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences 9(8), pp. 1497-1503. (10.3923/pjbs.2006.1497.1503)
- Gachal, G. S.et al. 2006. Ecological effects on the status of the Indus Dolphin. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences 9(11), pp. 2117-2121. (10.3923/pjbs.2006.2117.2121)
- Slater, F. M. 2006. Sustainable tourism in Santa Maria, Sal, Cape Verde: a SWOT analysis. Presented at: 5th International Symposium on the Fauna and Flora of the Atlantic Islands, Dublin, 24 -27 August 2004 Presented at Hayden, T. J., Murray, D. A. and O'Connor, J. P. eds.Fauna and Flora of Atlantic Islands: Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on the Fauna and Flora of the Atlantic Islands: Dublin 24 -27 August 2004. Occasional publication of the Irish Biogeographical Society Vol. 9. Irish Biogeographical Society pp. 207-213.
- Foster, J. and Slater, F. M. 2006. Life cycle characteristics of the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet) in the Wye river system, Wales, UK. Freshwater Crayfish 15, pp. 251-260.
- Both, C.et al. 2006. Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca travelling from Africa to breed in Europe: Differential effects of winter and migration conditions on breeding date. Ardea -Wageningen- 94(3), pp. 511-525.
2005
- Chadwick, E. A. and Slater, F. M. 2005. A population of skinks (Mayuba spp) and the gecko Hemidacylus bouvieri boavistensis behind coastal dunes on Boa Vista, Cape Verde Islands. Herpetological Bulletin 92, pp. 14-18.
- Randerson, P. F. and Slater, F. M. 2005. The role of willow plants in the treatment of iron-rich landfill leachate. Presented at: 6th International Conference on Environmental Engineering, Vilnius, Lithuania, 26-27 May 2005 Presented at Cygas, D. and Froehner, K. D. eds.Environmental Engineering: the 6th International Conference, Vol. 1. Vilnius: Technika pp. 420-424.
- Evans, B.et al. 2005. The development of sustainable heat and power fuelled by biomass from short rotation coppice in Wales. Presented at: 14th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition: Biomass for Energy, Industry and Climate Protection, Paris, France, 17-21 October 2005.
2004
- Both, C.et al. 2004. Large-scale geographical variation confirms that climate change causes birds to lay earlier. Proceedings of the Royal Society B -Biological Sciences 271(1549), pp. 1657-1662. (10.1098/rspb.2004.2770)
- Slater, F. M. 2004. Bridging the gap. In Practice: Bulletin of the Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management(43), pp. 19-20.
- Lowthe-Thomas, S. C.et al. 2004. Environmental issues relating to biomass crops in Wales, UK. Presented at: Second International Ukrainian Conference on Biomass for Energy, Kyiv, 20 - 22 September 2004.
- Howells, M. and Slater, F. M. 2004. Remnant populations of Austropotamobius pallipes in Wales, UK: counts, causes, cures and consequences. Freshwater Crayfish 14, pp. 140-146.
- Lowthe-Thomas, S. C.et al. 2004. A comparison of two types of machine planter for establishment of short rotation willow coppice in upland Wales. Presented at: Second World Conference on Biomass foe Energy, Industry and Climate Protection, Rome, 10 - 14 May 2004.
- Howells, M. and Slater, F. M. 2004. Changes over time in perceptions of species value: the case of austropotamobius pallipes in Wales. Bulletin Français de la Pêche et de la Pisciculture(372), pp. 329-332. (10.1051/kmae:2004007)
- Gachal, G. S. and Slater, F. M. 2004. Barrages, biodiversity and the Indus River Dolphin. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences 7(5), pp. 797-801.
- Gachal, G. S. and Slater, F. M. 2004. The capture and translocation of Indus River Dolphins (Platanista minor) from the Sukkur Barrage canals to the Indus River Dolphin Reserve, Sindh, Pakistan. Sindh University Research Journal 36(2), pp. 1-10.
2003
- Slater, F. M. 2003. To everything there is a season. Natur Cymru 6, pp. 38-40.
- Slater, F. M.et al. 2003. The precarious state of the Indus Dolphin (Platanista minor) between Guddu and Sukkur barrages in 1999. Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research 46(2), pp. 110-116.
2002
- Slater, F. M. 2002. Progressive skinning of toads (Bufo bufo) by the eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Iucn Otter Specialist Group Bulletin 19(1), pp. 25-29.
- Gachal, G. S. and Slater, F. M. 2002. A holistic approach to the conservation of the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor) (Owen 1853). Pakistan Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research 45(1), pp. 53-58.
- Slater, F. M. 2002. An assessment of wildlife road casualties - the potential discrepancy between numbers counted and numbers killed. Web Ecology 3, pp. 33-42. (10.5194/we-3-33-2002)
2001
- Cowell, D.et al. 2001. Monitoring the use of artificial log pile otter holts using hair analysis from bedding. Iucn Otter Specialist Group Bulletin 18(1), pp. 6-10.
- Heaton, R. J.et al. 2001. The influence of fertilisation on the yield of short rotation willow coppice in the uplands of mid-Wales. Aspects of Applied Biology 65, pp. 77-82.
- Slater, F. M. 2001. Catches of the cockchafer, Melolontha melolontha (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) at a moth trap in mid-Wales. Entomologists Gazette 52, pp. 189-193.
- Heaton, R. J., Slater, F. M. and Randerson, P. F. 2001. Diversification in the uplands of Wales - the role of short rotation willow coppice. Scottish Forestry 55(1), pp. 15-21.
- Gachal, G. S. and Slater, F. M. 2001. Dolphins down the drain. BBC Wildlife 19(2), pp. 36-37.
- Bradshaw, A.et al. 2001. Anal scent gland secretion of the European otter (Lutra lutra). Presented at: Ninth International Symposium on Chemical SIgnals in Vertebrates, Krakow, Poland, 25-29 July 2000 Presented at Marchlewska-Koj, A., Lepri, J. and Muller-Schwarze, D. eds., Vol. 9. Chemical Signals in Vertebrae Vol. 9. New York, NY: Kluwer pp. 313-319.
- Slater, F. M. 2001. The decline of the white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet)) in the rivers of mid-Wales, UK. Freshwater Crayfish 13, pp. 233-239.
- Slater, F. M. 2001. Noctule nosh decline. Bat News(60), pp. 5-5.
2000
- Kern, M. D., Cowie, R. J. and Slater, F. M. 2000. Responses of egg-laying Pied Flycatchers to experimental changes in clutch size: A re-examination. Condor 102(2), pp. 428-432. (10.1650/0010-5422(2000)102[0428:ROELPF]2.0.CO;2)
- Slater, F. M., Randerson, P. F. and Heaton, R. J. 2000. Prospects for energy grasses in mid-Wales UK. Presented at: 7th Polish - Danish Workshop "Biomass for Energy", Starbienino, Poland, 7 - 10 December 2000.
- Randerson, P. F.et al. 2000. A comparison of planting systems for the establishment of short rotation willow coppice in mid-Wales, UK. Presented at: 7th Polish-Danish workshop on Biomass for Energy, Starbienino, Poland, 7-10 December 2000.
- Randerson, P. F., Heaton, R. J. and Slater, F. M. 2000. Economic prospects for short rotation coppice in Wales: the need for subsidy in a new agricultural industry. Presented at: 7th Polish-Danish workshop on Biomass for Energy, Starbienino, Poland, 7-10 December 2000.
- Dong, H., Randerson, P. F. and Slater, F. M. 2000. A study of agricultural support policies and the role of agriculture in the national economy of the UK. Ningxia Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Science and Technology(1), pp. 51-57.
- Slater, F. M. 2000. Golden Orioles in Radnorshire. Welsh Birds 2(4), pp. 228.
- Lowthe, S. C.et al. 2000. The effect of a range of mulches on soil temperature, soil moisture and tree growth in short rotation will and poplar - is there potential for field scale application in the uplands of mid-Wales. Presented at: 7th Polish-Danish workshop on Biomass for Energy, Starbienino, Poland, 7-10 December 2000.
1999
- Slater, F. M. 1999. Plant invasions: Ecological mechanisms and human responses [Book Review]. Journal of Ecology 87(5), pp. 925-930. (10.1046/j.1365-2745.1999.t01-2-00398.x)
- Heaton, R. J., Randerson, P. F. and Slater, F. M. 1999. The economics of growing short rotation coppice in the uplands of mid-Wales and an economic comparison with sheep production. Biomass and Bioenergy 17(1), pp. 59-71.
- Slater, F. M. 1999. First-egg date fluctuations for the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca in the woodlands of mid-Wales in the twentieth century. Ibis 141(3), pp. 497-499. (10.1111/j.1474-919X.1999.tb04420.x)
- Slater, F. M. 1999. First-egg date fluctuations for the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca in the woodlands of mid-Wales in the twentieth century. Ibis 141(3), pp. 497-499. (10.1111/j.1474-919X.1999.tb04420.x)
- Slater, F. M.et al. 1999. Second rotation willow coppice in upland Wales. Presented at: 4th Biomass Conference of the Americas, Oakland, CA, USA, 29 August - 2 September 1999 Presented at Overend, R. P. and Chornet, E. eds.Biomass, a growth opportunity in green energy and value-added products : proceedings of the 4th Biomass Conference of the Americas, Vol. 1. Oxford: Elsevier Science pp. 45-46.
- Slater, F. M. 1999. Gagea bohemica (Zauschner) J. A. & J. H. Schultes (Liliaceae). In: Wigginton, M. J. ed. British Red Data Books: 1. Vascular Plants.. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee, pp. 164.
- Slater, F. M. 1999. Scleranthus perenninis subsp perennis P. D. Sell (Caryophyllaceae) B. In: Wigginton, M. J. ed. British Red Data Books: 1. Vascular Plants.. Peterborough: Joint Nature Conservation Committee, pp. 336-336.
- Honglin, D., Randerson, P. F. and Slater, F. M. 1999. New biomass conversion technologies and their applications. Ningxia Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Science and Technology(6), pp. 10-17.
- Randerson, P. F., Dong, H. and Slater, F. M. 1999. The world production and utilisation of bio-energy and its impacts on land availability for food and environment. Ningxia Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Science and Technology(5), pp. 5-8.
- Slater, F. M. 1999. Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) migration from some woodlands in the upper Wye Valley. Welsh Birds 2(3), pp. 109-112.
- Dong, H., Randerson, P. F. and Slater, F. M. 1999. Production and conversion of biomass to energy - a world view. Presented at: 6th Polish - Danish workshop on biofuel, Starbienino, Poland, 2-5 December 1999.
- Slater, F. M. 1999. The changing Majorcan spring. Biotype 9(3), pp. 53-55.
- Slater, F. M., Heaton, R. J. and Randerson, P. F. 1999. Willow v Poplar as an upland crop: a fallacy dispelled. Forestry and British Timber 28(5), pp. 26-27.
1998
- Slater, F. M. 1998. Nestbox use in relation to height and wood treatment. Ringers' Bulletin 9(7), pp. 74.
- Slater, F. M. 1998. Three-quarters of a century of pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) in mid-Wales. Welsh Birds 2(1), pp. 16-20.
1997
- Heaton, R. J., Randerson, P. F. and Slater, F. M. 1997. Influence of cattle slurry on establishment and first year growth of short rotation coppice grown on an upland site. Presented at: 4th Polish - Danish workshop on Biofuels, Starbienino, Poland, 12-14 June 1997.
- Randerson, P. F., Heaton, R. J. and Slater, F. M. 1997. Is arable energy coppice a viable alternative land use in upland Wales?. Aspects of Applied Biology 49, pp. 307-313.
- Robertson, J. and Slater, F. M. 1997. Seasonal movements of Blue Tits (Parus caeruleus) and Great Tits (P. major) in mid Wales. Welsh Birds 1(5), pp. 38-40.
- Slater, F. M.et al. 1997. Some environmental impacts of short rotation coppice willow. Presented at: 3rd Biomass Conference of the Americas, Montreal, Canada, 24-29 August 1997 Presented at Overend, R. P. and Chornet, E. eds.Making a business from biomass in energy, environment, chemicals, fibers, and materials : proceedings of the 3rd Biomass Conference of the Americas, Montréal, Québec, Canada, August 24-29, 1997. Oxford: Pergamon pp. 29-37.
- Slater, F. M. 1997. A non-invasive technique for monitoring the presence of crayfish in rivers, particularly in relation to crayfish plague. Freshwater Crayfish 10, pp. 385-387.
1996
- Smith, G. R. T.et al. 1996. Habitat features important for the conservation of the native crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in Britain. Biological Conservation 75(3), pp. 239-246.
- Kowalik, P. J., Slater, F. M. and Randerson, P. F. 1996. Constructed wetlands for landfill leachate treatment. In: Thofelt, L. and Englund, A. eds. Ecotechnics for a Sustainable Society: Proceedings from Ecotechnics 95 - International Symposium on Ecological Engineering.. Härnösand: Mid-Sweden University, pp. 189-200.
- Randerson, P. F.et al. 1996. Predicting the yield of willow from interim growth measurements - studies of biofuel coppice in Wales, UK. Presented at: 3rd Polish - Danish Workshop on Biofuels, Sopot, Poland, 7 - 9 February 1996Proceedings of the 3rd Polish-Danish Workshop on Biofuels, Sopot, Poland 7-9 February 1996. Gdańsk: Technical University of Gdańsk pp. 135-143.
- Lynn, S. F., Slater, F. M. and Randerson, P. F. 1996. The use of false colour infra-red photography and image analysis to collect objective measures of woodland ground cover. Journal of Experimental Botany 47(S1), pp. 47-47.
1995
- Foster, J. and Slater, F. M. 1995. A global review of crayfish predation with observations on the possible loss of Austropotamobius pallipes in the Welsh Wye due to crayfish plague. Freshwater Crayfish 8, pp. 589-613.
- Slater, F. M. 1995. A simple crayfish trap. Freshwater Crayfish 10, pp. 194-195.
- Slater, F. M. 1995. Crayfish on Atlantic Islands - threat or opportunity. Boletim do Museu Municipal do Funchal. Supplemento. 4, pp. 693-698.
- Slater, F. M. 1995. Extracts from the Llysdinam Game Books. Welsh Birds 1(1), pp. 21-24.
- Wilkinson, D. M. and Slater, F. M. 1995. Relationship between plant and invertebrate richness in upland ponds in mid-Wales. The Naturalist 120(1014), pp. 103-108.
- Slater, F. M., Hodson, R. W. and Randerson, P. F. 1995. Short rotation willow coppice in Wales: High production under adverse environmental conditions?. Presented at: 2nd Biomass Conference of the Americas, Portland, OR, USA, 21-24 August 1995Proceedings Second Biomass Conference of the Americas: Energy, Environment, Agriculture, and Industry. Golden, CO, USA: National Renewable Energy Laboratory pp. 40-48.
1994
- Hodson, R. W., Slater, F. M. and Randerson, P. F. 1994. The effects of digested sewage sludge on short rotation willow coppice in the UK. Presented at: Willow Vegetation Filters for Municiple Wastewaters and Sludges: A Biological Purification System, Uppsala, Sweden, 5-10 June 1994 Presented at Aronsson, P. and Pertthu, K. eds.Willow Vegetation Filters For Municiple Wastewaters and Sludges: A Biological Purification System. Uppsala Report Vol. 50. Uppsala: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences pp. 113-118.
- Slater, F. M. 1994. Lights of the Tylwyth Teg. Country Quest 35(5), pp. 41-41.
- Slater, F. M. 1994. Wildlife road casualties. British Wildlife 5(4), pp. 214-221.
1993
- Slater, F. M. 1993. A population of turlough toads. British Herpetological Society Bulletin 46, pp. 3-4.
- Slater, F. M. and Rayner, G. 1993. Austropotamobius pallipes in otter diet in the mid-Wye catchment of central Wales. Freshwater Crayfish 9, pp. 365-367.
- Slater, F. M. 1993. Mewnlifiad ar y Gwy. Dan Haul: Y Cylchgrawn Natur 8, pp. 15-17.
- Hodson, R. W.et al. 1993. Nutrient enhanced short rotation coppice for biomass in central Wales. Presented at: 1st Biomass Conference of the Americas, Burlington, VT, USA, 30 August - 2 September 1993Proceedings First Biomass Conference of the Americas: Energy, Environment, Agriculture, and Industry. Golden, CO, USA: National Renewable Energy Laboratory pp. 296-301.
- Slater, F. M. 1993. The natural history of the smaller Radnorshire pools. Radnorshire Society Transactions 63, pp. 12-26.
1992
- Slater, F. M. and Wilkinson, D. M. 1992. The peatlands of mid-Powys - a literature review and preliminary description of new sites. Brycheiniog 26, pp. 17-41.
- Slater, F. M. 1992. Food removal rate from feeders as a measure of bird activity in a rural woodland fringe. Welsh Bird Report 6, pp. 73-76.
- Slater, F. M., Hodson, R. W. and Randerson, P. F. 1992. Biomass gains from effluent disposal: recent developments in central Wales. Presented at: 7th European Conference on Biomass for Energy, Environment, Agriculture and Industry, Florence, Italy, 5-9 October 1992.
- Slater, F. M. 1992. Environmental impact assessment and the role of the biologist. Biologist- Institute of Biology 39(2), pp. 75-78.
- Slater, F. M. 1992. Individual identification using photocopying techniques for some British Triturus species. Boletín de la Asociación Herpetológica Española 3, pp. 17-19.
- Slater, F. M. 1992. Procambarus clarkii in Majorca. International Association of Astacologists Newsletter 14(4), pp. 2-2.
- Slater, F. M. 1992. The common toad.. Shire Natural History Series Vol. 60.. Shire Publications.
- Lynn, S. F., Slater, F. M. and Randerson, P. F. 1992. The ecological impact of sewage sludge applications on woodland vegetation. Aspects of Applied Biology 29, pp. 383-388.
1991
- Slater, F. M., Hemsley, A. and Wilkinson, D. M. 1991. A new sub-association of the Pilularietum globuliferae Tuxen 1955 in upland pools in the mid-Wye catchment of central Wales. Vegetatio 96(2), pp. 127-136. (10.1007/BF00044974)
- Slater, F. M. 1991. Recollections of black country natural history. The Blackcountryman 24(1), pp. 14-17.
1990
- Slater, F. M. 1990. Gagea Bohemica. Journal of Ecology 78(2), pp. 535-546.
1987
- Slater, F. M. and Jennings, P. P. 1987. Aberrant eggs of Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca in mid Wales. Bird Study 34(3), pp. 185-186. (10.1080/00063658709476959)
- Slater, F. M., Curry, P. and Chadwell, C. 1987. A practical approach to the evaluation of the conservation status of vegetation in river corridors in Wales. Biological Conservation 40(1), pp. 53-68. (10.1016/0006-3207(87)90012-7)
1986
- Curry, P. and Slater, F. M. 1986. A classification of river corridor vegetation from 4 catchments in Wales. Journal of Biogeography 13(2), pp. 119-132.
1985
- Slater, F. M., Gittins, S. P. and Harrison, J. D. 1985. The timing and duration of the breeding migration of the common toad (Bufo-bufo)at Llandrindod Wells lake, mid Wales. British Journal of Herpetology 6(12), pp. 424-426.
1984
- Harrison, J. D., Gittins, S. P. and Slater, F. M. 1984. Morphometric observations of smooth and palmate newts in mid-Wales. British Journal of Herpetology 6(11), pp. 410-413.
- Slater, F. M. 1984. The mineral contents of both peat and plants and their inter-relationships at Borth Bog, Wales. Presented at: 7th International Peat Congress, Dublin, Ireland, 18-23 June 1984Proceedings 7th International Peat Congress, Dublin, Ireland, 18 - 23 June 1984, Vol. 1. International Peat Society pp. 450-467.
- Slater, F. M. 1984. Welsh Mires: their range of form - a descriptive account. In: Moore, P. D. ed. European Mires.. London: Academic Press, pp. 283-301.
1983
- Harrison, J. D., Gittins, S. P. and Slater, F. M. 1983. The breeding migrations of smooth and Palmate newts(Triturus-vulgaris and T-helveticus)at a pond in mid Wales. Journal of Zoology 199(2), pp. 249-258. (10.1111/j.1469-7998.1983.tb02093.x)
- Morgan, M. J. and Slater, F. M. 1983. Unexpected nest-box occupants. Nature in Wales 2(1/2), pp. 110-111.
- Saxon, C. and Slater, F. M. 1983. Ffynhonnau Mwynol Powys. Y Gwyddonydd 21(3), pp. 78-81.
- Saxon, C. and Slater, F. M. 1983. The waters of the spas, mineral springs and holy wells of Wales. Cambria 10(1), pp. 12-25.
1982
- Wisniewski, P. J., Paull, L. M. and Slater, F. M. 1982. The extractive potential of peats in mid-Wales with particular reference to the county of Powys. Biological Conservation 22(3), pp. 239-249. (10.1016/0006-3207(82)90073-8)
- Slater, F. M. 1982. Peat and coppice timber as energy crops. Presented at: Cynefin Conference, Cardiff, UK, 13-15 December 1982.
1981
- Merry, D. G., Slater, F. M. and Randerson, P. F. 1981. The riparian and aquatic vegetation of the river Wye. Journal of Biogeography 8(4), pp. 313-327.
- Edwards, R. W. and Slater, F. M. 1981. Impact of road deaths on wild-life conservation. Nature in Wales 17(3), pp. 153-156.
- Slater, F. M. 1981. Peat cutting in mid-Wales: a brief introduction. Nature in Wales 17(3), pp. 149-152.
- Wisniewski, P. J., Paull, L. M. and Slater, F. M. 1981. The effects of temperature on the breeding migration and spawning of the common toad (Bufo bufo). British Journal of Herpetology 6, pp. 119-121.
- Paull, L. M., Wisniewski, P. J. and Slater, F. M. 1981. The emergence of young common toads from a mid-Wales lake. Nature in Wales 17(4), pp. 224-229.
1980
- Gittins, S. P., Parker, A. G. and Slater, F. . M. 1980. Population characteristics of the common toad (Bufo bufo) visiting a breeding site in mid-Wales. Journal of Animal Ecology 49(1), pp. 161-173.
- Gittins, S. P., Parker, A. G. and Slater, F. M. 1980. Mate assortment in the common toad (Bufo bufo). Journal of Natural History 14(5), pp. 663-668. (10.1080/00222938000770561)
- Wisniewski, P. J.et al. 1980. Studies on the breeding migration and intramigratory movements of the common toad (Bufo bufo) using panjet dye-marking techniques. British Journal of Herpetology 6, pp. 71-74.
- Slater, F. M. 1980. The rarer plants of Radnorshire. The Radnorshire Society Transactions 50, pp. 73-77.
- Slater, F. M. 1980. Gagea bohemica - a new British record. Nature in Wales 17(1), pp. 47-47.
- Slater, F. M., Paull, L. M. and Wisniewski, P. J. 1980. Patterns of erosion in the blanket peats of mid-Wales. Presented at: 6th International Peat Congress, Duluth, MN, USA, 17-23 August 1980Proceedings of the 6th International Peat Congress : Duluth Arena-Auditorium, Duluth, Minnesota, USA August 17-23, 1980. International Peat Society pp. 103-108.
1978
- Merry, D. G. and Slater, F. M. 1978. Plant colonisation under abnormally dry conditions of some reservoir margins in mid-Wales. Aquatic Botany 5, pp. 149-162. (10.1016/0304-3770(78)90058-X)
- Slater, F. and Slater, E. 1978. Changing status of Sphagnum-imbricatum Hornsch ex Russ.on Borth Bog, Wales. Journal of Bryology 10(2), pp. 155-161.
1977
- Slater, F. M. and Agnew, A. D. Q. 1977. Observations on a peat bog's ability to withstand increasing public pressure. Biological Conservation 11(1), pp. 21-27.
- Slater, F. M. 1977. A future for field courses. Wales Science Bulletin 18, pp. 10-12.
- Slater, F. M. 1977. Carnivorous, parasitic and symbiotic plants. In: Huxley, A. ed. The Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom.. London: Hamlyn, pp. 204-213.
- Slater, F. M. and Seymour, E. J. 1977. Esgyrn Bottom - the most westerly raised bog in Wales. Proceedings of the Birmingham Natural History Society 23(3), pp. 193-205.
- Slater, F. M. 1977. When the rust began to bloom. The Countryman 82(4), pp. 106-109.
- Slater, F. M. 1977. Peat chemistry and the history of Mere Pool, Cannock Chase. Proceedings of the Birmingham Natural History Society 23(4), pp. 245-248.
1976
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Miraculous peat?. Nature 264(5583), pp. 215-216. (10.1038/264215a0)
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Gors Lwyd - a peat bog under threat. Nature in Wales 15(2), pp. 60-72.
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Coch Field Surveys Group meeting, Malvern February 1976: UWIST Paper 1. Water quality - R. Wye. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Coch Field Surveys Group meeting, Malvern February 1976: UWIST Paper 2. Fisheries studies - R. Wye. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Coch Field Surveys Group meeting, Malvern 3-4 February 1976: UWIST Paper 3. Comparison of two methods of collecting macro-invertebrates from the R. Wye. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Coch Field Surveys Group meeting, Malvern February 1976: UWIST Paper 4. Invertebrates: River Wye. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Coch Field Surveys Group meeting, Malvern February 1976: UWIST Paper 5. Invertebrate studies: Ystwyth & Rheidol. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Coch Field Surveys Group meeting, Malvern February 1976: UWIST Paper 6. Submerged macrophytes of the R. Wye. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Coch Field Surveys Group meeting, Malvern February 1976: UWIST Paper 7. River Wye vegetation survey. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Brooker, M. P.et al. 1976. Craig Goch Report No. 9 Mass mortalities of adult salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the R. Wye, 1976. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Gee, A. S.et al. 1976. Craig Goch Report No. 10 The effect of density on mortality in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Edwards, R. W.et al. 1976. Craig Goch Report No. 11 The behaviour and budgets of selected ions in the Wye Catchment. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Morris, D. L., Brooker, M. P. and Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Goch Report No. 12 The production of two species of Ephemeropters (Ephemerella ignita PODA and Rhithrogena semicolorata CURTIS) in the upper reaches of the R. Wye, Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M., Brooker, M. P. and Morris, D. L. 1976. Craig Goch Report No. 13 Invertebrate studies: Ystwyth and Rheidol. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M.et al. 1976. Craig Goch Report No. 14 The production of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the Upper Wye, Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
- Slater, F. M. 1976. Craig Goch Report No. 15 Macroinvertebrates of the River Wye. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
1975
- Slater, F. M. 1975. Craig Goch Project – UWIST. Report No. 8. Methods of chemical analysis. Project Report. Cardiff: University of Wales Institute of Technology.
From 1970 Fred Slater worked in the then Department of Botany and Microbiology at what is now Aberystwyth University where he investigated the surface ecology of mid-Wales peatlands. In 1974 he crossed the Cambrian Mountains to take up his present position as Director of Llysdinam Field Centre, now an integral part of the Cardiff School of Biosciences.
Over the years his research interests have broadened from the purely botanical of his Aberystwyth days but he has been involved in the description of the only distinct species of native flower plant to be added to the flora of England and Wales in the twentieth century; the description of a new plant association from ephemeral upland pools, and more recently research into biomass crops so retaining his botanical credentials.
Some opportunistic research in the 1970's made it clear how little was known of amphibian distribution and ecology and lead him, with numerous postgraduate and post doc assistants, to explore this avenue of zoology contributing significantly to the literature in this field. With the River Wye flowing almost at the Field Centres' door the "charm" of two both threatened and protected creatures of the river, the otter and the native white-clawed crayfish have, with the aid of several postgraduates and post docs., been subject to considerable investigative attention. His interests have also ranged from wildlife road casualties, to environmental impact assessment, from river habitat restoration to Indus River Dolphins and from ecotourism to biofiltration.
His current research interests include the production and biodiversity of willow and perennial rhizomatous grasses for biomass; amphibian, otter and crayfish ecology and conflicts between biodiversity and ecotourism. He is the author of over 150 reports and publications mainly about the ecology of mid-Wales, including two books and chapters in several more.