Lombardy Region – Identification and characterisation of old-growth forests

2024–2026 · Lombardy Region · University of Milan
Scientific lead: Matteo Vizzarri

The project develops a scientific methodology to identify, characterise and map forests showing old-growth features in Lombardy, supporting the identification of areas potentially eligible for the Italian National Old-Growth Forest Network and the development of conservation criteria.

Structural, floristic and management surveys assess large trees, cavities and dendromicrohabitats, deadwood, regeneration and stand structure. Field indicators are integrated with remote sensing, biomass, tree-cover and structural-complexity metrics to identify additional potentially mature forests at regional scale.

Related research lines: Biodiversity, conservation and old-growth forests · Monitoring, remote sensing and forest modelling

Planned outputs: Identification methodology, spatial database, proposed candidate areas and management guidance for old-growth forest conservation.