Day 056 - 28 Nov 94 - Page 33
1 Q. Plantation forests, in general, have less diversity,
2 biological diversity, is that correct, than natural forests
3 or old growth forests?
4 A. I think that I can state from my own opinion and, if
5 necessary, make reference to other scientific opinion, that
6 plantation forests in the very earliest stage (and that is
7 before the little seedlings have really emerged from the
8 ground) has less biodiversity than the forest which it
9 replaces, assuming we are talking about regeneration of
10 forest. It will then go through a period of increased
11 biodiversity as animals, birds, insects, invertebrates and
12 the like are attracted into it. It may then go through a
13 stage, as a very dense forest before thinning, when there
14 is a change in the cycle and a reduction in biodiversity
15 and then, eventually, after thinning and maturing of
16 forest, there will be a greater increase in the
17 biodiversity in that forest again.
18
19 So, it is a cyclical situation and a cyclical situation
20 brought about by the management of the forest. One thing I
21 would add -- I would add one more point to that and that
22 is, if, in fact, the land was heathland before or grazed
23 over land before or agricultural land before, it is almost
24 certain that plantation forest will add to biodiversity in
25 a considerable profusion greater than was there previously.
26
27 Q. That is if it is replacing agricultural land, for example?
28 A. Yes, agricultural land which may well have been
29 affected by fertilizers, pesticides and the like turned to
30 forestry has a great advantage in forestry terms in
31 biodiversity.
32
33 Q. But in comparing plantation forests with natural forests,
34 the diversity of plantation forests is less overall?
35 A. Taking in a broad generalisation ------
36
37 Q. Through a lifetime?
38 A. In a broad generalisation, that must be so, because
39 there has been a disturbance. But I would also point out
40 that natural forest over the years has been affected by all
41 of nature's influences -- wind throw being one such
42 influence, fire being another -- and because of forest
43 management techniques over the last 50 years, there is far
44 less intrusion of fire than used to happen in years gone
45 by.
46
47 Q. Fire can be a natural part of the forest life, can it not?
48 A. Indeed.
49
50 Q. Winds can be part of the natural forest life.
51 A. It always has been.
52
53 Q. It may blow trees down which then rot and create ecosystems
54 all of their own?
55 A. Yes.
56
57 Q. Micro systems, yes?
58 A. Yes, and I would add, it can also be very destructive.
59
60 Q. Which would not be allowed to in a plantation, would it,
