A sampling system to monitor the transformation from even-aged stands to continuous cover

Abstract

The paper describes work carried out to devise a system of monitoring the change from even‐aged management to continuous cover. The application of the system is described in Forestry Commission Information Note 45 (Kerr et al ., 2002). It uses systematic grid sampling with plot size selected to assess a minimum number of trees, depending on the area of the management unit, and was designed by carrying out a number of simulations based on data for theoretical and real stands of trees. It was field tested in two woodlands being transformed to continuous cover, both of which had a mixture of tree sizes and a range of species. The results of these studies suggest that the proposed sampling system will give an adequate representation of the trees in a stand in terms of diameter distribution and species proportions. However, the ability of the sampling system to collect data on sapling regeneration was not fully tested and requires further work.