In clear-cutting, leave low trees and shrubs in the buffer strip and preserve wood in different decay stages
Habitat
Function
Type of work
Forest
Habitat, Soil system
Clear-cutting
Open landscape buffer strips will be established and maintained to maintain biodiversity and ecological connectivity. The buffer strips will also protect the forest from pesticides and chemically synthesised mineral fertilisers used on agricultural land. The recommended width of the Open landscape buffer strips is an average of 5 metres, with an optimum of 1-10 metres.
Description of the action
Leave low-growing trees and shrubs in the buffer strip of open landscapes, and under suitable conditions, preserve standing dead trees, stumps, and fallen wood in the buffer strip, allowing retention trees to grow. Stumps can be created through topping, especially in habitat types where the risk of windthrow is higher. The buffer strip of open landscapes can also be formed as a meadow-like community with a well-developed grass cover.
Why?
Buffer strips do not need large trees. Instead, low trees (e.g., bird cherry, grey alder) and shrubs typical of edge habitats are more important. Buffer strips provide habitats and movement corridors for birds and mammals. They also support plants, fungi, and lichens, which may not be able to grow temporarily in clear-cut areas without trees. It is also advisable not to disturb the established turf in buffer strips. Technically, harvesters can cut larger trees without driving into the buffer strip, and sorted timber can be placed beside the buffer strip to prevent additional disturbance by forwarders.
