The Forest Research Institute of Baden-Württemberg (FVA) in Freiburg is responsible for the monitoring of forest reserves in the Baden-Württemberg region. One type of forest reserve are named “Bannwald” which translates to “protected forests”. These forests are strictly protected against any interventions, whether for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management or natural resource extraction. This allows for scientific investigations regarding naturally occurring forest processes in these areas. UNIQUE was commissioned to support this research by carrying out a sample-based inventory to map the forest structure. The study included establishment of more than 240 sample points in tree forest reserves of the Northern Black Forest.

• Identification of sample points.
• Geographic localization of sampled trees.
• Description of relevant ecological and tree growth characteristics.
• Height measurement and analysis of representative trees.
• Recording of natural regeneration, browsing and dead wood.