Woodland Restoration Plot Network: Vegetation Structure and Composition Data, Western Sydney Parklands (Western Sydney Regional Park), NSW, Australia, 2001–2006

Abstract: The Woodland Restoration Plot Network Vegetation Structure and Composition Background Data Package contains vegetation floristics and structure survey data for ninety-six 0.1 hectare sites which were established from 2001 to 2007. The sites were located on retired farmland that includes a mosaic of restored vegetation (native plantings) of varying ages juxtaposed with patches of remnant vegetation and untreated, abandoned pasture. All sites were originally woodland prior to agricultural development about 200 years ago. The plantings monitored by the Woodland Restoration Plot Network research plots commenced in 1992 and have been revisited every 3-4 years since 2001. A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Woodland Restoration Plot Network’s full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c36e5688ff89. Sampling method: For consistency with NSW datasets, this package has chosen to use the names: • Vernonia cinerea rather than Cyanthillium cinereum • Elymus scaber rather than Anthosachne scabra • Dichondra sp. A sensu Harden (1992) rather than Dichondra sp. Inglewood (J.M.Dalby 86/93) Qld Herbarium Study extent: The study site is located on retired farmland that includes a mosaic of restored vegetation (native plantings) of varying ages juxtaposed with patches of remnant vegetation and untreated, pasture (both grazed and abandoned). During their period of pastoral management (prior to 1990), the sites have been grazed by cattle, fertilised and planted with exotic pasture grasses, particularly Phalaris species. All sites were originally woodland prior to agricultural development about 200 years ago. Restoration projects commenced in the area in 1992 with a stated goal of ‘re-establishment of native vegetation’ (Perkins 1997). The restoration plantings were carried out in a pattern designed to connect remnant patches of woodland, which were also the primary sources of seed for tubestock. To evaluate success against the above goal, we therefore identified the remnants as suitable reference sites to which the restored sites were expected to increase their resemblance in composition and structure over time. Disturbance resulting from past agricultural practices in the area have impacted upon remnant patches to varying degrees, but these were the best available examples of native woodland in the region. Untreated pasture is defined as a control, from which restored sites are expected to become increasingly dissimilar in species composition and vegetation structure with time. See: Perkins I. 1997. Hoxton Park Corridor (North) Land and Vegetation Management Plan. Unpublished report. The NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning & Greening Australia (NSW), Sydney. Project funding: Between 2012 and 2018 this project was part of, and funded through the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) a facility within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
Type
collection
Title
Woodland Restoration Plot Network: Vegetation Structure and Composition Data, Western Sydney Parklands (Western Sydney Regional Park), NSW, Australia, 2001–2006
Alternate Title
Woodland Restoration Plot Network: Vegetation Structure And Composition Data, 2001–2006
Collection Type
Dataset
Access Privileges
Long Term Ecological Research Network
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
10.25911/5c3bfd1c3c810
Website Address
https://datacommons.anu.edu.au/
Metadata Language
English
Data Language
English
Brief Description
The Woodland Restoration Plot Network Vegetation Structure and Composition Background Data Package contains vegetation floristics and structure survey data for ninety-six 0.1 hectare sites which were established from 2001 to 2007. The sites were located on retired farmland that includes a mosaic of restored vegetation (native plantings) of varying ages juxtaposed with patches of remnant vegetation and untreated, abandoned pasture. All sites were originally woodland prior to agricultural development about 200 years ago. The plantings monitored by the Woodland Restoration Plot Network research plots commenced in 1992 and have been revisited every 3-4 years since 2001. A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Woodland Restoration Plot Network’s full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c36e5688ff89.
Full Description
Abstract: The Woodland Restoration Plot Network Vegetation Structure and Composition Background Data Package contains vegetation floristics and structure survey data for ninety-six 0.1 hectare sites which were established from 2001 to 2007. The sites were located on retired farmland that includes a mosaic of restored vegetation (native plantings) of varying ages juxtaposed with patches of remnant vegetation and untreated, abandoned pasture. All sites were originally woodland prior to agricultural development about 200 years ago. The plantings monitored by the Woodland Restoration Plot Network research plots commenced in 1992 and have been revisited every 3-4 years since 2001. A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Woodland Restoration Plot Network’s full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c36e5688ff89. Sampling method: For consistency with NSW datasets, this package has chosen to use the names: • Vernonia cinerea rather than Cyanthillium cinereum • Elymus scaber rather than Anthosachne scabra • Dichondra sp. A sensu Harden (1992) rather than Dichondra sp. Inglewood (J.M.Dalby 86/93) Qld Herbarium Study extent: The study site is located on retired farmland that includes a mosaic of restored vegetation (native plantings) of varying ages juxtaposed with patches of remnant vegetation and untreated, pasture (both grazed and abandoned). During their period of pastoral management (prior to 1990), the sites have been grazed by cattle, fertilised and planted with exotic pasture grasses, particularly Phalaris species. All sites were originally woodland prior to agricultural development about 200 years ago. Restoration projects commenced in the area in 1992 with a stated goal of ‘re-establishment of native vegetation’ (Perkins 1997). The restoration plantings were carried out in a pattern designed to connect remnant patches of woodland, which were also the primary sources of seed for tubestock. To evaluate success against the above goal, we therefore identified the remnants as suitable reference sites to which the restored sites were expected to increase their resemblance in composition and structure over time. Disturbance resulting from past agricultural practices in the area have impacted upon remnant patches to varying degrees, but these were the best available examples of native woodland in the region. Untreated pasture is defined as a control, from which restored sites are expected to become increasingly dissimilar in species composition and vegetation structure with time. See: Perkins I. 1997. Hoxton Park Corridor (North) Land and Vegetation Management Plan. Unpublished report. The NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning & Greening Australia (NSW), Sydney. Project funding: Between 2012 and 2018 this project was part of, and funded through the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) a facility within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
Methods
Plot set-up
1
3x50m measuring tapes, clinometer, camera
Ninety-six 0.1 hectare sites were established on retired farmland that includes a mosaic of restored vegetation (native plantings) of varying ages juxtaposed with patches of remnant vegetation and untreated, abandoned pasture. All sites were originally woodland prior to agricultural development about 200 years ago. This dataset was collected by two PhD projects and one honours project with sampling in 2001, 2004 and 2005-7.
Vegetation survey
2
Plant species composition is recorded using the frequency score method (Wilkins et al. 2003), in which complete species lists are compiled in each of six nested square subquadrats. Subquadrat dimensions are successively doubled from 1 m to 2 m, 4 m, 8 m, 16 m, and 32 m. All six subplots have a common corner marked with a star picket. Only species rooted in the additional area of each subplot are recorded (i.e. excluding records from smaller nested subplots). A frequency score is computed for each species by counting the number of sub-quadrats in which it occurred. Planted and wild occurrences of the same species are recorded separately. A species list with Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance estimates (8-point scale) was recorded in an additional 20 x 20 m plot inserted within the nested sequence of subplots (see Tozer et al. (2010) for sampling methods). Percentage cover of bare ground and leaf litter, and environmental co-variables including aspect, slope, soil texture and grid location are also recorded in the 20 x 20 m plot.
The Woodland Restoration Plot Network research plots commenced in 1992 and have been revisited every 3-4 years since 2001.
See: Tozer MG, Turner K, Keith DA, Tindall D, Pennay C, Simpson C, MacKenzie B, Beukers P, Cox S (2010) Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. Cunninghamia 11(3), 359-406.
Wilkins S, Keith DA, Adam P (2003). "Measuring Success: Evaluating the Restoration of a Grassy Eucalypt Woodland on the Cumberland Plain, Sydney, Australia." Restoration Ecology 11(4): 489-503.
File Descriptions
kwrt_vegetation_composition_nested_subplot_PA_background_p96t857.csv
assign_flora_descriptor
definitionSpecies scientific name as per current NSW nomenclature
nominal text definitionCharacter
assign_species_code
definitionSpecies identifier code as per current NSW nomenclature
nominal text definitionCharacter
flora_descriptor
definitionSpecies scientific name as recorded in the field
nominal text definitionCharacter
number of records11873
origin
definitionThe origin of the species (native, introduced, unknown, planted or dead)
nominal enumeration codes
DeadPlanted, standing dead plants
IntroducedNot planted, species is known to be introduced
NativeNot planted, species is known to be native
PlantedPlanted, alive individuals
UnknownNot planted, it is not known if the species is native or introduced
replicatenumber
definitionTemporal replicate (all 1)
nominal text definitionCharacter
sitenumber
definitionUnique site identifier. 8 character nomenclature based on NSW vegetation standard site labelling (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nativeveg/10060nvinttypestand.pdf). Begins with the first 3 consonants of the appropriate 1:25 000 mapsheet, then 2 numbers for sequential numbering of sites on that mapsheet, Geology Code, Aspect (8 classes) and finally coded topographic position. In our survey all geology codes =W - Wianamatta Shale Aspect (Code- degree class, cardinal dierction) 1 -67.6-112.5,E; 2-112.6-157.5, SE; 3-157.6-202.5, SE; 4-202.6-247.5, SW; 5-247.6-292.5, W; 6-292.6-337.5, NW; 7-337.6-22.5, NW; 8-22.6-67.5, NE. Topographic position C - Crest; U - Upper Slope; M - Mid Slope; L - Lower Slope; V - Valley; F - Flats
nominal text definitionCharacter
speciesnumber
definitionSpecies identifier code as recorded in the field
nominal text definitionCharacter
subplotnumber
definitionNested subplot number
nominal enumeration codes
120 x 20 m
21 x 1 m
32 x 2 m
44 x 4 m
58 x 8 m
616 x 16 m
732 x 32 m
kwrt_vegetation_composition_20x20m_subplot_background_p96t167.csv
assign_flora_descriptor
definitionSpecies scientific name as per current NSW nomenclature
nominal text definitionCharacter
assign_species_code
definitionSpecies identifier code as per current NSW nomenclature
nominal text definitionCharacter
coverscore
definitionBraun-Blanquet cover abundance score within 20x20m plot
ordinal enumeration codes
1Rare and less than 5% cover
2Occasional and less than 5% cover
3Common and less than 5% cover
4Very common and less than 5% cover
55-25% cover
626-50% cover
751-75% cover
876-100% cover
flora_descriptor
definitionSpecies scientific name as recorded in the field
nominal text definitionCharacter
number of records3998
origin
definitionThe origin of the species (native, introduced, unknown, planted or dead)
nominal enumeration codes
DeadPlanted, standing dead plants
IntroducedNot planted, species is known to be introduced
NativeNot planted, species is known to be native
PlantedPlanted, alive individuals
UnknownNot planted, it is not known if the species is native or introduced
replicatenumber
definitionTemporal replicate (all 1)
nominal text definitionCharacter
sitenumber
definitionUnique site identifier. 8 character nomenclature based on NSW vegetation standard site labelling (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nativeveg/10060nvinttypestand.pdf). Begins with the first 3 consonants of the appropriate 1:25 000 mapsheet, then 2 numbers for sequential numbering of sites on that mapsheet, Geology Code, Aspect (8 classes) and finally coded topographic position. In our survey all geology codes =W - Wianamatta Shale Aspect (Code- degree class, cardinal dierction) 1 -67.6-112.5,E; 2-112.6-157.5, SE; 3-157.6-202.5, SE; 4-202.6-247.5, SW; 5-247.6-292.5, W; 6-292.6-337.5, NW; 7-337.6-22.5, NW; 8-22.6-67.5, NE. Topographic position C - Crest; U - Upper Slope; M - Mid Slope; L - Lower Slope; V - Valley; F - Flats
nominal text definitionCharacter
speciesnumber
definitionSpecies identifier code as recorded in the field
nominal text definitionCharacter
subplotnumber
definitionNested subplot number
nominal enumeration codes
120 x 20 m
21 x 1 m
32 x 2 m
44 x 4 m
58 x 8 m
616 x 16 m
732 x 32 m
kwrt_vegetation_composition_planted_20x20_subplot_background_p96t858.csv
assign_flora_descriptor
definitionSpecies scientific name as per current NSW nomenclature
nominal text definitionCharacter
assign_species_code
definitionSpecies identifier code as per current NSW nomenclature
nominal text definitionCharacter
coverscore
definitionBraun-Blanquet cover abundance score within 20 x 20m plot
ordinal enumeration codes
1Rare and less than 5% cover
2Occasional and les than 5% cover
3Common and less than 5% cover
4Very common and less than 5% cover
55-25% cover
626-50% cover
751-75% cover
876-100% cover
flora_descriptor
definitionSpecies scientific name as recorded in the field
nominal text definitionCharacter
number of records236
origin
definitionLive or dead status
nominal enumeration codes
DeadPlanted, standing dead plants
IntroducedNot planted, species is known to be introduced
NativeNot planted, species is known to be native
PlantedPlanted, alive individuals
UnknownNot planted, it is not known if the species is native or introduced
replicatenumber
definitionTemporal replicate (all 1)
nominal text definitionCharacter
sitenumber
definitionUnique site identifier. 8 character nomenclature based on NSW vegetation standard site labelling (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nativeveg/10060nvinttypestand.pdf). Begins with the first 3 consonants of the appropriate 1:25 000 mapsheet, then 2 numbers for sequential numbering of sites on that mapsheet, Geology Code, Aspect (8 classes) and finally coded topographic position. In our survey all geology codes =W - Wianamatta Shale Aspect (Code- degree class, cardinal dierction) 1 -67.6-112.5,E; 2-112.6-157.5, SE; 3-157.6-202.5, SE; 4-202.6-247.5, SW; 5-247.6-292.5, W; 6-292.6-337.5, NW; 7-337.6-22.5, NW; 8-22.6-67.5, NE. Topographic position C - Crest; U - Upper Slope; M - Mid Slope; L - Lower Slope; V - Valley; F - Flats
nominal text definitionCharacter
speciesnumber
definitionSpecies identifier code as recorded in the field
nominal text definitionCharacter
subplotnumber
definitionNested subplot number
nominal text definitionCharacter
kwrt_vegetation_composition_planted_nested_subplot_PA_background_p96t859.csv
assign_flora_descriptor
definitionSpecies scientific name as per current NSW nomenclature
nominal text definitionCharacter
assign_species_code
definitionSpecies identifier code as per current NSW nomenclature
nominal text definitionCharacter
flora_descriptor
definitionSpecies scientific name as recorded in the field
nominal text definitionCharacter
number of records520
origin
definitionThe origin of the species (native, introduced, unknown, planted or dead)
nominal enumeration codes
DeadPlanted, standing dead plants
IntroducedNot planted, species is known to be introduced
NativeNot planted, species is known to be native
PlantedPlanted, alive individuals
UnknownNot planted, it is not known if the species is native or introduced
replicatenumber
definitionTemporal replicate (all 1)
nominal text definitionCharacter
sitenumber
definitionUnique site identifier. 8 character nomenclature based on NSW vegetation standard site labelling (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nativeveg/10060nvinttypestand.pdf). Begins with the first 3 consonants of the appropriate 1:25 000 mapsheet, then 2 numbers for sequential numbering of sites on that mapsheet, Geology Code, Aspect (8 classes) and finally coded topographic position. In our survey all geology codes =W - Wianamatta Shale Aspect (Code- degree class, cardinal dierction) 1 -67.6-112.5,E; 2-112.6-157.5, SE; 3-157.6-202.5, SE; 4-202.6-247.5, SW; 5-247.6-292.5, W; 6-292.6-337.5, NW; 7-337.6-22.5, NW; 8-22.6-67.5, NE. Topographic position C - Crest; U - Upper Slope; M - Mid Slope; L - Lower Slope; V - Valley; F - Flats
nominal text definitionCharacter
speciesnumber
definitionSpecies identifier code as recorded in the field
nominal text definitionCharacter
subplotnumber
definitionNested subplot number
nominal text definitionCharacter
kwrt_vegetation_structure_background_p96t860.csv
lowerheight
definitionLower height of stratum
interval number typereal
interval standard unitmeter
modeheight
definitionModal height of stratum
interval number typereal
interval standard unitmeter
number of records166
planted1
definitionPlanted or not-planted
nominal enumeration codes
nNot planted
NANot applicable
NRNot recorded
yPlanted
planted2
definitionPlanted or not-planted
nominal enumeration codes
nNot planted
NANot applicable
NRNot recorded
yPlanted
planted3
definitionPlanted or not-planted
nominal enumeration codes
nNot planted
NANot applicable
NRNot recorded
yPlanted
recorder
definitionField observer code
nominal text definitionCharacter
replicatenumber
definitionTemporal replicate (all 1)
nominal text definitionCharacter
sitenumber
definitionUnique site identifier. 8 character nomenclature based on NSW vegetation standard site labelling (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nativeveg/10060nvinttypestand.pdf). Begins with the first 3 consonants of the appropriate 1:25 000 mapsheet, then 2 numbers for sequential numbering of sites on that mapsheet, Geology Code, Aspect (8 classes) and finally coded topographic position. In our survey all geology codes =W - Wianamatta Shale Aspect (Code- degree class, cardinal dierction) 1 -67.6-112.5,E; 2-112.6-157.5, SE; 3-157.6-202.5, SE; 4-202.6-247.5, SW; 5-247.6-292.5, W; 6-292.6-337.5, NW; 7-337.6-22.5, NW; 8-22.6-67.5, NE. Topographic position C - Crest; U - Upper Slope; M - Mid Slope; L - Lower Slope; V - Valley; F - Flats
nominal text definitionCharacter
species1name
definitionScientific name of the most dominant species at this strata
nominal text definitionCharacter
species1number
definitionSpecies identifier code as recorded in the field of the most dominant species at this strata
nominal text definitionCharacter
species2name
definitionScientific name of the second most dominant species at this strata
nominal text definitionCharacter
species2number
definitionSpecies identifier code as recorded in the field of the second most dominant species at this strata
nominal text definitionCharacter
species3name
definitionScientific name of the third most dominant species at this strata
nominal text definitionCharacter
species3number
definitionSpecies identifier code as recorded in the field of the third most dominant species at this strata
nominal text definitionCharacter
stratapercentcover
definitionA measure or estimate of the appropriate cover measure for each recorded species; recorded from 1–5 and then to the nearest 5%. If the cover of a species is less than 1% and it is considered important then the estimated cover should be entered (e.g. 0.4%).
ratio number typereal
ratio standard unitnumber
stratum
definitionStratum code
nominal enumeration codes
L1Tallest ground stratum present
L2Second ground stratum (if present)
L3Third (lowest) ground stratum (if present)
M1Tallest mid-stratum
M2Second mid-stratum (if present)
M3Third (lowest) mid-stratum (if present)
TCanopy
T2Sub-canopy (if present)
T3Third (lowest) canopy (if present)
stratum_descriptor
definitionStratum description
nominal text definitionCharacter
upperheight
definitionUpper height of stratum
interval number typereal
interval standard unitmeter
Contact Email
david.keith@environment.nsw.gov.au; christopher.simpson@unsw.edu.au; k.wilkins@unsw.edu.au; mark.tozer@environment.nsw.gov.au; r.woodward@unsw.edu.au; david.keith@unsw.edu.au
Contact Address
Australian Wetlands, Rivers and Landscapes Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales SYDNEY, NSW, 2052 Australia
Contact Phone Number
+61 2 9995 5000; +61 409 159 334; +61 2 9385 8435; +61 2 9585 6496; +61 2 9585 6051; +61 2 9385 2111; +61 427 856 498; +61 428 810 214
Principal Investigator
David Keith
Supervisors
David Keith
Collaborators
Peter Nichols; David Kirkland; Emma Gorrod; Dick Williams; Sian Griffiths
Fields of Research
0501 - Ecological Applications; 0602 - Ecology
Keywords
GCMD:Earth Science > Biosphere > Vegetation; LTERN Monitoring Theme:Vegetation structure; LTERN Monitoring Theme:Plant species composition; LTERN Monitoring Theme:Restoration; keyword:Evaluation; keyword:Restoration; keyword:Revegetation; keyword:Succession; Woodland Restoration; Vegetation Structure And Composition Data
Type of Research Activity
Pure basic research
Date Coverage
2006
2001
Geospatial Location
Western Sydney Parklands (Western Sydney Regional Park) and Prospect Reservoir are situated approximately 30 km west of Sydney, and extend over an area of nearly 5,280 hectares.
text
northlimit = -33.80273; southlimit = -33.909898; westlimit = 150.810459; eastLimit = 150.915226
iso19139dcmiBox
Date of data creation
2015-08-17
Year of data publication
2015
Creator(s) for Citation
Keith
David
Simpson
Chris
Wilkins
Katy
Tozer
Mark
Williams
Dick
Publisher for Citation
The Australian National University Data Commons
Publications
See: Perkins I. 1997. Hoxton Park Corridor (North) Land and Vegetation Management Plan. Unpublished report. The NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning & Greening Australia (NSW), Sydney
Hoxton Park Corridor (North) Land and Vegetation Management Plan.
Other Related Identifiers
MorphoId:ltern.120; PackageId:96
Access Rights
Special Conditions: Prior to publication of research utilising this data - the data provider (David Keith) must be consulted and provide consent.
Access Rights Type
Open
Rights held in and over the data
Creative Commons Licence (CC BY- Attribution) is assigned to this data. Details of the licence can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Licence Type
CC-BY - Attribution (Version 4)
Licence
LTERN Deed: 14 Date of execution: 2014-04-30
Data Location
https://datacommons.anu.edu.au
Retention Period
Indefinitely
Data Management Plan
No
Status: Published
Published to:
  • Australian National University
  • Australian National Data Service
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