Ecological site classification

 

This programme involves the development of a GIS-based ecological site classification (ESC) system.  The research has achieved the integration of ecological data on plant–site interactions with geographic data sets to produce a decision support system to guide species choice and other aspects of forest management.  The methodology has been published based on extensive testing in northeast Scotland (Technical Paper 20); another major case study from the New Forest has been published.

Work in the programme focuses on supporting the electronic ESC decision support system and improving its performance, especially in relation to nutritionally poor sites and the potential effect of climate change.  Development of a GIS-based version and its availability via the internet will continue. ESC is being linked to other Forestry Commission modelling programmes (such as Process modelling and data systems and Decision support for biodiversity) and with systems used by other organisations.

Outputs will include release of a GIS version of ESC available through FORESTER-GIS, and peer reviewed publications on the accuracy of ESC to estimate yield of Sitka spruce and predict soil type.  The programme also provides advice supporting ESC and training courses.

Commissioned reports

No reports available at this time