A method for natural regeneration of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) practiced in southern Sweden

In Sweden the most common way to regenerate beech forests is intensive natural regeneration combined with site preparation. However, the method has both economic and ecological drawbacks. On a large estate in southern Sweden a more non-intensive regeneration method is practised. Several catious cuttings regulate the forest floor conditions as well as the development of new seedlings originating from mast years occurring under a longer period. The aim of this study was to document this method and to study its regeneration dynamics. The seedling density recorded in the later phases of the regeneration period is considered to be sufficient for the development of new stands