Aim to assess natural regeneration of conifers from commercial plantations into open areas (especially into Natura sites / Annex I habitats)
- how far the trees have spread into the BioClass area
- number of trees (or estimates)
- maximum height (giving an indication as to how long they have remained unmanaged)
- general condition of habitat
- GPS points with data on Date, Species, Height (Categories), Seed Bearing, etc (data input in QField and then added to a main dataset)
Example: WW07 Clohernagh
Aerial image suggests some colonisation of open habitat by trees
Example: Carrigshouk
This area west of Carrigshouk, off the Military Road, has a BioClass rating
In Wicklow Mountains SPA, partially within the SAC. Failed Sitka Spruce plantation from 1986
BioClass data records site as undeveloped land & wet heath – it was before 1986
