High Nature Value Forests in Ireland: A Typology

Abstract

High Nature Value (HNV) forests support biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services. In recognition of this role, a framework for defining and identifying HNV forest in Ireland has recently been developed and applied to Irish National Forest Inventory (NFI) forest plots. This study aimed to identify different types of HNV forest, using available variables collated by the NFI for the same plots identified as HNV forest. A multiple factor analysis and cluster analyses was performed. A spatial analysis exercise was conducted to quantify the number of HNV forest plots that overlap with designated/protected areas in Ireland. Three primary types and four subtypes of HNV forest were identified. Tree species richness, fern species richness and planting year, woodland subtype, woodland habitat type and nativeness of tree species were the most important variables explaining the difference among the three main forest types identified. Areas with distinct ecological characteristics can fall within the same HNV score range and only a small variation in naturalness is seen among HNV forest types. Results show that less than 50% of NFI HNV forest plots overlapped with designated areas/protected habitats. Results of this work can be an important step for the design of targeted conservation policies.