There is limited information on the composition, structure and function of the biotic communities of the alluvial alder forests in the target sites, which occur at the southernmost limits of its distribution range in the Balkan Peninsula. Such knowledge is essential for the sound management of this habitat, and will identify and evaluate the severity and the extent of problem the habitat is facing.
A base study, which will assess the current state of existing plant communities, as well as, the amplitude and frequency of natural variation in key plant species, will be carried out. In addition, the diversity of symbiotic (ectomycorrhizal) and wood-rotting fungi associated with alder and their distribution within the target habitat will be assessed, due to their vital importance for the survival and protection of the alluvial alder forests. Furthermore, an inventory of macrofungi that are directly related with alder trees will be prepared.