The role and management of native trees within commercial plantations has been a focus of interest in recent years, particularly in upland areas. This Technical Paper brings together the findings from a series of research projects funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Forestry Commission, looking into aspects of biodiversity associated with birch in spruce plantations, and originally presented at a symposium in Perth in 1997.
Detailed information is provided on birch distribution in spruce forests, ground vegetation, lichens and invertebrates. A concluding discussion sets the research findings within the wider context of forest design planning, and highlights options for the future management of birch within spruce plantations.