EUROPARC Webinar - Balancing safety & ecology: management of dead & dying trees in Periurban Parks

In recent years, there has been a greater understanding of the vital function dead trees serve in supporting biodiversity and regenerating the forest. In turn, this has resulted in a growing movement to preserve dead wood.
Standing and fallen dead trees are an important element of well-functioning ecosystems. They provide essential nesting locations for birds and bats, attract insects and are vital for fungi. Moreover, dead trees play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and contribute to climate change mitigation.
However, dying trees - especially those that are standing or partially standing, can present a hazard if they fall unexpectedly, particularly when they are located close to trails, recreational areas, or other infrastructural elements. This is especially true for Periurban Parks, as they are located on the border of urban areas and are highly frequented.
In these situations, managers are confronted with the decision of leaving dying or dead trees as they are for the ecological benefits they bring, or cutting them down to prevent potentially dangerous situations. The latter option, however, is often negatively perceived by the public, and can result in backlash.
During this webinar, we will hear from two periurban forest managers, both dealing with the issue of dying and dead trees management, and discuss the accompanying challenges with them.
Get all presentations here: www.europarc.org/europarc-webinars/previous-webinars/