Biodiversity in Irish plantation forests - Large Scale Project in the Environmental RTDI Programme 2001-2006

A synthesis report of Bioforest sub-projects: The individual projects concluded in general that forestry plantations can make a significant positive contribution to biodiversity in the landscape if properly planned and managed, and can have a negative effect if not. The promotion of biodiversity in forestry needs the support of good policies and practices. Fifty-seven recommendations are made, addressing different aspects of forestry, from strategic planning to localised planning and practice. The needs for future research are outlined. The recommendations are listed below: the full text gives context and rationale for these.