| Foresty Commission programme manager: | Sallie Bailey |
| Research contact and location: | Duncan Ray Ecology Division Forest Research |
This programme is developing decision support tools to provide forest managers with biodiversity options for sites-types in terms of the habitats and species that may result from different management choices. Within the programme the HaRPPS (Habitats and Rare, Priority and Protected Species) decision support system is currently being developed to indicate the likely impacts of forest management on forest ecology and forest biodiversity. HaRPPS is designed to assist in forest planning; it is user friendly, offers quick and simple or detailed input modules, and is internet-based. HaRPPS provides operational and autecological information, and guidance, to forest managers. The application links to a specially developed Oracle database that is maintained by regular systematic review of new research findings. HaRPPS also uses information emerging from other Forest Research Programmes, in particular: Species Action Plans, Biodiversity evaluation and Management for habitat quality and so provides a knowledge transfer system within Ecology Division. In addition, HaRPPS uses XML and HTML links to online information from the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, National Biodiversity Network and ESC Version 2 (using web services). In subsequent releases, HaRPPS will use ArcIMS technology to display and assess management options for key species and features. A beta version of HaRPPS was delivered in March 2005.
The programme started in 1999 and is related to the Ecological site classification programme (ESC) (under “Forest operations and environment”). The main difference is that the ESC programme has developed and implemented a decision support system for matching tree species and NVC (National Vegetation Classification) woodland types to site type, and continues research to maintain and support the utility.
Some research from external providers is likely to be commissioned to develop scenario models for testing the interactions between biodiversity and other forestry objectives.
Commissioned reports
No reports available at this time
