Monitoring programme on strict forest reserves in Flanders (Belgium) - site level stand structure, regeneration and vegetation data

This dataset contains comprehensive statistics on stand structure, rejuvenation, and vegetation for each forest reserve included in the monitoring program on strict forest reserves in Flanders (Belgium). The data collection and processing methodology used are described in Vandekerkhove et al., 2024.

The dataset encompasses information on 16 distinct strict forest reserves or subsites and covers one to three consecutive forest inventories following a 10-year cycle. 

The "site_info.xlsx" file provides details on the 16 sites, including central coordinates, surface area, forest type, and the year when they were set aside. For detailed descriptions of the information provided, please refer to the "_metadata_site_info.xlsx" file.

The “statistics_per_reserve.zip” file contains 12 separate csv-files with the following data:

• stat_dendro(_by)(_diam)(_species).csv : statistics on basic stand structure attributes (volume, basal area, number of trees per hectare, …) for living and dead standing trees (DBH-threshold 5cm): overall values and values per diameter class and/or species 

• stat_carbon.csv : statistics on biomass and carbon stock, related to living trees and deadwood

• stat_deadw(_by)(_decay)(_species).csv : statistics on volume per hectare of (lying and standing) deadwood: values per decay stage and/or species 

• stat_reg(_by)(_height)(_species).csv : statistics on rejuvenation (numbers per ha of young trees/seedlings up to trees with DBH< 5cm): overall values and values per heightclass and/or species 

• stat_veg.csv : statistics on vegetation characteristics, including number of species, moss, herb, shrub, tree and waterlayer cover, cumulated canopy cover and soil disturbance by game

• stat_herbs.csv : species-specific mean cover, percentage of plots where each species occurs

For descriptions of the common fields used in the above csv-files, please consult the "_metadata_statistics.xlsx" file. 

For detailed and comprehensive information regarding the meaning and characteristics of the calculated variables, please refer to the "_metadata_variables.xlsx" file. 

Plot-level results regarding dendrometry and regeneration are published separately here, while information on vegetation can be found here.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Kris.vandekerkhove@inbo.be. The provided csv-files will be updated as required to address any issues or include data from additional surveys. . Please check for updated versions periodically.

We ask the users of the dataset to notify us of its use.