On November 13, 2025, the OEE Old-Growth Forest Section organized a field training titled “Experiences with gaps of different sizes, shapes, and dynamics in hornbeam–sessile oak stands.”
The Pilis Gap Experiment, launched in 2018 to examine the gap-creation concept proposed by Pilisi Parkerdő, focuses on the effects of gaps of various sizes and shapes applied in continuous-cover forestry. The aim of the training was to demonstrate how different gap shapes, sizes, orientations, and characteristics of the surrounding stand influence the development of sessile oak within the gaps. Recent research results have greatly contributed to the successful establishment of oak gaps. Additionally, participants learned about the principles of gap creation for growing sessile oak and how to ensure the proper amount and ratio of direct and diffuse light. During the demonstration, they became familiar with various field instruments, mobile applications, and forestry tools designed for specialized gap maintenance, with practical demonstrations of their use.
Training program:
Theory:
General introduction to continuous-cover forestry, including the role of gaps (P. Csépányi)
Presentation of experiences after gap creation (P. Ódor, F. Tinya)
- Research overview – different gap types, sizes, and dynamics
- Changes in light and soil moisture in gaps during the first five years
- Development of understory vegetation in the first five years
- Regeneration in different gap types
- Practical conclusions
Practice:
Necessity, extent, and technology of gap management and maintenance (P. Csépányi, A. Csór, D. Simon)
- Recording new gaps
- Maintenance of existing gaps
- Widening gaps
- Tools required for gap management
Test completion
Participants of the training at the Pilis Gap Experiment were guided by ecologists Flóra Tinya and Péter Ódor (photo: P. Csépányi)
Participants listening to Attila Csór’s presentation (photo: P. Csépányi)
Péter Csépányi demonstrating the use of a sun compass (photo: A. Csór)