Epiphyte diversity in Irish conifer plantations

Abstract

Government policy aims to increase the area under forestry in Ireland from its current 10% to 17% by 2030. Baseline information on the biodiversity of these forestry plantations is required if they are to be effectively managed, particularly in the hght of Ireland’s commitment to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). Epiphytes are an important but little studied component of forest biodiversity in Ireland. No previous studies have been undertaken on epiphytes in Irish forestry plantations. This study is therefore innovative and attempts to address this major information gap.