The main objective of the Action is to increase the knowledge of growing valuable broadleaved tree species, with emphasis on the production of valuable timber and with the intent to promote non-wood products that can be produced in parallel with, or in addition to, the main product. Examples of broadleaved tree species include sycamore maple, wild cherry and European ash, as well as walnut (Juglans regia, J.nigra and hybrids), wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis), black alder (Alnus glutinosa), lime (Tilia cordata) and birch (Betula pendula, B. pubescens). In respect to wood production the goal is to maximise the share of highly valuable timber in a short production time and low investment of labour, energy and capital. At the same time, new ways of growing valuable broadleaved trees will be investigated, i.e. new ideas on where and how to grow these species will be developed, while taking the aims and restrictions of the production of non-wood products into consideration. Such products are biodiversity, nature conservation, habitat values, landscape and recreational values, and products that can be collected or gathered as by-products parallel to the main product timber. Non-wood products and values will be regarded as an important part of the research, and are to be integrated with the wood production and management objectives of this Action. These goals will be achieved through the cooperation of many different European countries, represented by universities, research centres, forest owners and other stakeholders. A broader perspective and new ideas on how to achieve the goals of this Action will emerge. Specific goals are:
Adaptation of forest regimes to the aims and capacity of the forest owners; small forest owners and farmers as well as large forest enterprises.
Increasing the production of high quality timber while maintaining and improving environmental values such as biodiversity, stability and naturalness.
Adaption of forestry regimes with valuable broadleaved trees to urbanisation, the demands of the people using urban forests and forest areas close to settlements.
Investigation of where and to which extent management for valuable timber can be combined with non-wood products.
Development of new concepts of balancing wood and non-wood production, while maintaining economic attractiveness of forests.
Bringing the results into an adequate form to the target audience.
Integration of the research results of the Action with the forest management practices for broadleaved forests in Europe.
The benefit of this study, conducted on a European scale, will be the exchange of information between countries and research institutes. The available knowledge will be explored for the creation of new management options. Furthermore, management regimes, forestry practices and experience in the cultures and countries of Europe will be brought together. A Europe-wide communication- and cooperation- system will be established and the COST Action will provide a good platform to put new knowledge into practice.
- Website : http://www.valbro.uni-freiburg.de/index.php
- Project start : 0000
- Project end : 2008
- Contact Person : Simon Bell
- Funding Agency : EU Cost Programme