Increasing the amount of dead wood by creation of high stumps has limited value for lichen diversity

Artificial creation of dead wood in managed forests can be used to mitigate the negative effects forestry on biodiversity. For this successful, it is essential understand conservation value that created has comparison naturally occurring wood, and, furthermore, where landscape addition most beneficial, i.e. how composition influences species occurrence wood. We examined these questions by surveying epixylic lichens artificially high stumps Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) 3–17 years old clear-cuts. compared lichen assemblages those other types mature forests, and stump age, amount at clear-cuts, 500 m - 2.5 km scale influenced assemblages. In types, hosted lower richness less variable containing mainly common generalist species. Species increased with whereas were not important; only total had a minor positive effect. conclude studied timescale are particularly valuable for provide poor substitute although their may increase age. Furthermore, directing specific stands or landscapes does appear beneficial biodiversity, given effect found scales below km.