Historical Silvicultural Thinning Study, Jancourt

This research study aims to understand the impacts of historic silvicultural thinning in the 1990s, to understand the long-term impacts on forest flora, structure and fuel. Includes historically thinned sites, un-thinned controls and the Ecological Reference Area.

The Jancourt site, located in the lowland forests northwest of the ranges, was managed for timber harvesting until the mid-2000s. 

Between 1996 and 2003, areas underwent silvicultural thinning - selective removal of stems to reduce density and encourage larger trees. With timber harvesting now ceased, Jancourt provides a rare opportunity to assess the long-term effects of thinning on forest health.

Baseline ecological monitoring was established in 2024 across treated and untreated plots, using Forest Protection Survey methods alongside bird surveys and camera traps. Preliminary analysis is underway. 

The site’s scale and relatively consistent management history suggest strong potential for developing a research program capable of producing robust, generalisable findings on the ecological and structural impacts of thinning.