Research note. Dead wood in the Caledonian pine forest

Abstract

Dead wood is increasingly being regarded as a major component and useful indicator of biodiversity in forests (Ratcliffe, 1994; Sammuelsson et al., 1994). However, there is as yet no standardized method for assessing the quality and quantity of dead wood habitats, and little baseline information about this resource in the UK (and particularly in Scotland) against which to set standards for its appropriate conservation and management. The study aims to assess the quantity and quality of dead wood within the native Scottish pine forests under a variety of management regimes by using and developing the Line Intersect Method (Warren and Olsen, 1964; Kirby et al., 1991). This information may provide a guide to the expected characteristics of the dead wood resource within this forest type, with potential for use in formulating and adapting management prescriptions.