Hello everyone. After a nice Christmas break, I eventually started some action! Together with Gruffud, another forestry student from Bangor University, we are surveying some plots around Clocaenog forest, one of the few sites where CCF is being tested in the UK (read more on: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestresearch.nsf/ByUnique/INFD-6LMJ5P). The forest comprises many Sitka spruce stands where different intensity of thinning and various types of shelterwood are being implemented, all focused to obtain the best natural regeneration. The Natural Resources Wales staff managing the site is very keen to help research activities. Thanks!
Gruff is particularly interested in studying the relationship between light regime and regeneration undercover, so we are taking some hemispherical pictures in each plot. We will later investigate the correlations (if any!) between stand characteristics, canopy transmittance and regeneration characteristics.
We’ll keep you updated!!