In the core areas of the Swabian Alb Biosphere Reserve, the forests are strictly protected against any interventions, including biodiversity conservation measures, ecosystem management or natural resource extraction. This allows for scientific investigations regarding naturally occurring forest processes in these areas. UNIQUE was commissioned to support this research by carrying out a sample-based inventory to map the forest structure. The study included establishment of 60 sample points selected for their importance in providing habitat for some rare animal species. For reasons of comparison, some of the sample points were located in managed forests.

• Identification of sample points and geographic localization of sampled trees.
• Description of relevant ecological and tree growth characteristics.
• Height measurement and analysis of representative trees.
• Recording of natural regeneration, browsing and dead wood.