Database

During thinning, leave low trees and shrubs in the buffer strip

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Forest	Living environment, Soil system	Thinning

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. The buffer strip of open landscapes can also be formed as a meadow-like community with a well-developed grass cover.

Why?

During thinning logging, it is advisable to leave some low trees (e.g., bird cherry, grey alder) and shrubs typical of edge habitats in buffer strips. These strips provide habitats and movement corridors for birds and mammals. It is also important not to disturb the established turf in buffer strips. Technically, harvesters can cut trees without driving into the buffer strip, and sorted timber can be placed beside the buffer strip to prevent additional disturbance by forwarders.