Among stand heterogeneity is key for biodiversity in managed beech forests but does not question the value of unmanaged forests: Response to Bruun and Heilmann‐Clausen (2021)

Schall et al. (2020) assessed how a combination of different forest management systems in managed landscapes dominated by European beech may affect the biodiversity (alpha, beta and gamma) 14 taxonomic groups. Current policy nature conservation often demand for combining uneven-aged unmanaged, set-aside conservation, forests order to promote biodiversity. In contrast this, found even-aged shelterwood forests, represented developmental phases, support highest regional (gamma) diversity. By pointing out that unmanaged included our study are not old-growth Bruun Heilmann-Clausen (2021) challenge conclusion as providing sound scientific advice societies. It is true studied representing defined literature. However, we demonstrate representativeness current Central Europe, where were more or less recently develop structures. We also show already differ distinctively their use this response stress role reserves promoting certain species groups, emphasise importance valuable research sites today future. Synthesis applications. see two main conclusions from study. First, still matter. agree with on general long-untouched do question conservation. complete complementarity only reveal after many decades natural development. Second, safeguarding largely should focus landscape matrix phases varying environmental conditions rather than maximising vertical structure within stands. Such can partly compensate structures missing vital, dense closed unsuitable occur due cyclic synchronisation forests.