Vegetational and ecological monitoring of boreal forests in Norway was initiated in 1988, as a part of the programme “Countrywide monitoring of forest health” at Norwegian Institute of Land Invetory (NIJOS). Ten reference areas for monitoring will be established and analysed within five years; two new areas each year. Each of the monitoring areas is planned to be reanalysed every fifth year. In each monitoring area 10 macro sample plots, 50 m2 each, are selected. Within each macro sample plot
The data from the first established monitoring area, Rausj0marka in Akershus county, are subjected to analysis in this paper. The most important vegetational and environmental gradients in the area are discussed, as well as the field methodology and the methods for data analysis to be used in integrated monitoring. The advantages of integrated monitoring of vegetation, soil and trees on the same sample plots are emphasized, including advantages for surveying and monitoring of species (bioindicators).