Telling Woods from the Trees

What is the basic definition of a woodland according to the Phase 1 Habitat Survey System? Within the Phase 1 Habitat Survey System, a woodland is defined as vegetation primarily consisting of trees that are expected to grow taller than 5m when mature, forming a distinct, though potentially open, canopy. This system specifically requires noting the dominant tree species, the layers beneath the canopy, and mapping distinct blocks of woodland based on the types of trees present. Areas with less than 30% tree cover are generally not considered woodland under this system.  How does the Phase 1 system categorise different types of woodland based on tree composition? The Phase 1 system categorises woodlands primarily by the composition of their tree canopy. Broadleaved woodland has 10% or less conifer trees. Coniferous woodland has 10% or less broadleaved trees. Mixed woodland has a canopy composed of between 10% and 90% of either broadleaved or conifer trees, with the approximate propor...

How were sites designated as 'woodland' within the Sidmouth Nature Project?  Sites were designated as 'woodland' based on general observation, not strict scientific methodology. This was a pragmatic approach, using the principles of the Phase 1 analysis system but in a less formal way. The classification was acknowledged to be arbitrary and based on visual dominance of trees rather than a rigorous definition. How was the initial observed habitat verified through vegetative analysis? Following the initial observational attribution, a vegetative analysis was conducted to examine the nature of the sites designated as woodland. This involved analysing the recorded plant species on each site and focusing on the number of species specifically associated with woodland habitats. This analysis provided a subsequent verification of the initial observation-based classification. Does the vegetative analysis indicate the specific type of woodland for each site? Yes, the vegetative a...

What are the key characteristics of NVC W14 woodlands? NVC W14 woodlands are broadleaved deciduous woodlands primarily dominated by Beech (Fagus sylvatica) in the tree layer and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) in the shrub and ground layers. Due to the dense canopy of the Beech trees, the ground flora is typically sparse. Where are W14 woodlands typically found? These woodlands are mainly found in the southern lowlands of England. They are characteristic of dry, base-poor soils such as sandy or gravelly substrates, which are generally free-draining, often acidic or loamy, and result in a dry habitat. What are the typical plant species found in W14 woodlands? The dominant tree is Beech (Fagus sylvatica). Other occasional canopy species may include Oak (Quercus robur), Sycamore (Acer pseudaplatanus), and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The shrub layer is often dominated by Bramble, although Holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) may also be present. Due to the dense shade, g...

What is NVC W14 woodland? NVC W14 woodland is a specific woodland type in Britain characterised by the dominance of Beech (Fagus sylvatica) in the tree layer and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) in the shrub and ground layers. It typically has a sparse ground flora beneath the dense canopy and bramble layer. How did Beech trees arrive in Britain and what was their initial spread like? Beech is native to southern England and arrived in Britain around 6,000 years ago, following the last glaciation, when the climate became drier. Its initial spread may have been limited by a reduction in overall woodland cover at the time. How did human activity influence the distribution of Beech woodlands in Britain? Human activity significantly influenced the distribution of Beech woodlands. In the medieval period, Beech was favoured for its wood and was deliberately planted or encouraged, often as 'standards' in coppice-with-standards systems. Later, in the 1700s and 1800s, Beech was widely pla...

Why were large-scale conifer plantations established in Britain, particularly after the World Wars? Large-scale conifer plantations were primarily established to rebuild strategic timber reserves following shortages experienced during the First and Second World Wars. This led to a national effort to increase timber production, with the Forestry Commission being formed in 1919 specifically for this purpose.  When did the conversion of existing woodlands to conifer plantations primarily occur in Britain? While coniferous afforestation began after World War I, a significant period of converting and replanting existing woodlands, including broadleaf woodlands, occurred between the 1950s and 1970s. This was particularly relevant in areas like the Sidmouth area, which contained older beech plantations. What were some of the common conifer species introduced in these plantations and why were they chosen? Commonly introduced species included Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce, Douglas Fir, Scots ...

What are the main woodland sites located on Salcombe Hill in the Sid Valley? There are three primary woodland sites on the Salcombe Hill side of the Sid Valley that are detailed in the provided source: Combe Head Wood, Page Wood, and Bluebell Wood. These sites are situated at varying elevations on the slopes and on the top of the hill. How is Combe Head Wood accessed and what are its key characteristics? Combe Head Wood can be accessed from the northern side of the Salcombe Hill National Trust car park. It is a mixed woodland, primarily a plantation with a significant presence of both beech and conifer trees, including pine, spruce, western red cedar, and larch, dating back to 1960s planting. It also contains older semi-natural oak woodland (pre-1822) and some natural ash and oak. The wood is noted for its high number of plant species (88 total, 62 woodland species), open glades, and accessible paths, including stoned paths suitable for visitors with mobility issues. It's also used...

What are the key geographical features of the woodlands on Peak Hill? The woodlands on Peak Hill, including Bulverton Hill, Greystone and Lydes Hill, and Peak Wood, are situated on the western side of the Sid Valley, rising westward from the town of Sidmouth. They are located on high ground, offering significant views, and share an underlying geology of Upper Greensand, which is characteristic of the higher ground on the valley sides. The areas are adjacent to Muttersmoor. How do the different woodland areas on Peak Hill vary in terms of management and habitat? The sites exhibit variations in management and habitat. Bulverton Hill and Greystone and Lydes Hill both feature significant commercial conifer plantations, primarily Douglas Fir, which are noted as being detrimental to native species. However, Bulverton also includes areas with bluebells, and a wide bridleway on Greystone and Lydes Hill provides an open corridor for nature to flourish. These areas are largely privately owned, w...

What is Harpford Common and where are the woodland sites located? Harpford Common is a general area located to the north of Sidmouth, East Devon, beyond the A3052. Within this area, the Sidmouth Nature Survey project includes three specific woodland sites: Harpford Wood, Fire Beacon Plantation, and Core Hill Wood. Harpford Wood is situated near Sidmouth, Fire Beacon Plantation is to the north-west, above the Bowd, and Core Hill Wood is just north of Sidmouth. Who owns and manages these woodland sites? Ownership and management vary between the sites. Harpford Wood is owned by Clinton Devon Estates, a large landowner in East and North Devon. Fire Beacon Plantation is managed by Forestry England. Core Hill Wood is managed by the Woodland Trust, a conservation charity. These different entities employ various management approaches tailored to the specific characteristics and conservation goals of each woodland. What are the key characteristics of Harpford Wood? Harpford Wood is a large wood...