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Project Code [2000-LS-3.1.2-M2]
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Project title
Forestry and Environment Impacts Addressing Water Quality and Biodiversity - Assessment of Biodiversity at Different Stages of the Forest Cycle
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
Lead Applicant
Susan Iremonger
Project Abstract
The main objectives of this project were to:1. Assess the range of biodiversity in representative forests at key stages of theforest cycle;2. Review possibilities for enhancement of biodiversity in plantation forests andmake recommendations;3. Assess the effectiveness of the Forest Biodiversity Guidelines in light of the resultsof this study.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGYWe investigated variation in biodiversity between forest types and across the agecycle; identified structural compositional and functional variables (biodiversityindicators) that are related to biodiversity variation across sites; and maderecommendations for forest management practices that will maintain and/orenhance biodiversity in plantation forests.The forest types we studied were Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) ash (Fraxinusexcelsior) and non-intimate Sitka spruce-ash mixes. These represent the main coniferand broadleaf species currently being planted in Ireland and non-intimate mixes ofconifers and broadleaves are likely to become the dominant configuration in futureafforestation.We sampled five age classes (5 8-15 20-30 35-50 and > 50 years) that represent themajor structural changes that take place in forest development over the course of acommercial rotation. As forest age is only one of many factors that affect standstructure we developed an age-independent structural type classification tosummarise the structural characteristics (canopy cover tree size and spacing) of ourstudy sites.We carried out surveys of vegetation spiders hoverflies and birds using standardsurvey methods and collected environmental and management information for allour survey sites. We constructed a Geographical Information System (GIS)containing all our survey data along with base mapping forest inventory detailsand other relevant geographical data.
Grant Approved
�163,612.11
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Sectoral Impacts on Biodiversity
Initial Projected Completion Date
n/a