Swedish beech forests and the storm gap theory

Abstract

The storm gap theory of forest dynamics was developed by Sernander largely as a result of his investigations of the Norway spruce Picea abies forests of Fibyurskog and Granskär following the great storms of 1931 and 1932.This theory is reviewed in the light of subsequent investigations and its relevance to forests of common beech, Fagus sylvatica, which Watt had also investigated in southern England; developing his theory of pattern and process in the plant community as a result.

Ancient unmanaged Swedish beech forests are extremely important as they enable us to ascertain how such forests develop in a state of nature. They are often important in terms of biodiversity and the veteran trees they contain are especially valuable in the conservation of rare epiphytic lichens and bryophytes.

The history of Fagus sylvatica and variations in its extent in Swedish forests during the Holocene is illustrated by a review of articles concerning a number of important forest areas.

Keywords:

• Fagus sylvatica
• old-growth forest
• biodiversity
• storm gaps
• wind
• veteran trees
• influence of fire on forest history
• climate change

Acknowledgements

We thank Mats Niklasson for his assistance with this paper and also our many ecological colleagues for their companionship and co-operation over the years. Thanks are also due to Roland Moberg, Jörg Brunet, Örjan Fritz and Svante Hultengren for their assistance in the provision of illustrations while Nick Musgrove provided invaluable technical help.