Landscape effects on retention patch success

Retention forestry aims to achieve sustainable harvesting while supporting biodiversity conservation.

Although it is commonly practiced in Sweden, we lack knowledge of how the landscape surrounding retention forestry influences biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.I will use a cutting-edge analytical approach to ask questions about landscape effects on biodiversity in retention forestry.

First, I will establish how to account for distance when assessing landscape effects on carabid beetle and spider trait diversity.

Next, I will determine which spatial scale (tree, plot or landscape) explains the most variation in polypore and bryophyte presence.

Then, I will reveal what landscape features indicate retention patch function by assessing how microclimates interact with landscape to influence lichen trait diversity.

Finally, I will undertake a temporal assessment of how different spatial scale features affect threatened lichen and bryophyte population survival rates using a before-after-resurvey study.My work forms the foundation for including landscape in biodiversity research.

I will decipher how retention patch function is influenced by different scales, and cast light on the current state of biodiversity in Swedish managed forests.

My project will support research through  knowledge and model development, and stakeholders by providing guidance on how to include landscape information when planning retention forestry and restoration activities.