Biodiversity and Succession

Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of species and habitats. Biodiversity is tightly linked to succession which changes species composition, ecosystem function and structure over time with major impact on biodiversity.

 

Our aim is to enhance biodiversity and conservation of habitats for flora and fauna and to develop and assess the methods used.

 

The research questions in play are:

 

• what determines the species composition of forests and semi-natural ecosystems?

• what are the key controls of biodiversity, and what impact has biodiversity on ecosystem functioning?

Biodiversity is tightly linked to management, water, climate, soil, tree species and nutrient status. We investigate species distribution in relation to these factors in a number of long term surveys such as Nørholm Hede.

 

Our research also comprises the monitoring of forest habitats.