The Marteloscope: A Training Aid for Continuous Cover Forest Management
The Marteloscope is a permanent plot within the forest in which tree measurements and associated software are linked to provide a framework for in-forest training in selection and marking and as part of integrated training in Continuous Cover Forest Management.
The methodology and software were developed in France by Max Bruciamacchie of the ENGREF, part of the Centre de Nancy of AgroParisTech, and has been widely used in the state and private sector in Europe to provide training in the management of irregular forests. The word ‘marteloscope’ comes from the French martelage: to mark. The technique has been adapted for British and Irish conditions by Phil Morgan and Andy Poore of SelectFor Ltd. Currently four marteloscope plots have been established in SW England, four in Wales and five in Ireland.
The Marteloscope is a 1 hectare rectangular plot in which the species and dbh of every tree greater than 17.5 cm are measured and recorded. The location of each of the trees is mapped and an identifying number provided with which each tree is labelled. Each tree is also assigned to one of four quality classes: the definition of these classes relating to the interaction between quality and the selection process.
Trainees, usually in 6 groups of 2, are given the opportunity to mark removals from the designated 1 ha plot. During the exercise they record the number of the tree to be removed and the reason for its removal, taken from seven standard categories. The software allows the evaluation of the present and future condition of the stand and how the removals from the different quality classes affect the structure of the stand and the economics of transformation.
During the marking exercise trainees are guided by two instructors who circulate around the groups during the marking exercise; this ‘live’ interaction is the key benefit of this approach. The major questions to address here are: what form do these removals take and how should you go about the decision making process in determining which trees to remove?
On completion of the marking exercise, the trees selected for removal by each individual are inputted into a spreadsheet which provides a detailed summary of the silvicultural and of the economic consequences of the marking exercise. These data can be compared between the groups and with the local manager’s marking. The evaluation of the present and future condition of the stand and how the removals from the different quality classes affect the economics of transformation is quantified and graphically demonstrated in the results.
Summary:
- Marking is a difficult skill to teach, particularly within a new discipline such as Continuous Cover Silviculture.
- The marteloscope is a tool which facilitates efficient and effective training in these skills. It allows trainees both to actually undertake the marking decision process for themselves and to be exposed to in-forest, ‘live’ interaction with an experienced practitioner.
- The marteloscope provides insights into continuous cover silviculture required for managers and policy makers not directly involved in stand manipulation.
- The software allows for the demonstration of the practical use of mensuration data within the marking process and this can be applied across a range of sophistication. It also allows for a degree of assessment as to the skills demonstrated by the trainees.
Stourhead (Western) Marteloscope