effect of snow on woods in Catalunya

[lucy]

In El Periodico today there's an article describing the effects of the snowfall on the woods in Catalunya - tons of trees and branches have come down.  They describe it as a catstrophe and tragedy.  Maybe it is from an economical point of view, or because of the risk of fire next summer.  But from an ecological point of view it's a welcome sight - thinking of all the bugs that are going to thrive on the dead wood and plants taking over the open spaces. 

http://www.elperiodico.com/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=46&idioma=CAS&idtipusrecurs_PK=7&idnoticia_PK=696276

[Dave]

Hi Lucy and All
Surely this the a perfectly natural occurrence, OK the snow may have been a once in 20 year event, but in the more northern parts of Spain, this must happen every year, and is part of natural selection, with new growth taking over the spaces left, and as you say the rotting wood will be great for the insects etc.
This article from the Telegraph fits, in part, nicely with this thread
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/7455159/One-third-of-Europes-butterflies-in-decline-according-to-Red-List.html
Regards
Dave