We’ve been immersed in SW woodlands over the last month, visiting sites we’ve never seen before. Some of the Woodland Trust’s more remote woodlands throughout Cornwall & Devon.
We are proud to be involved with the analysis of these woodlands for their temperate rain-forest potential. Looking at the quality of habitat features, their current structure, searching for indicator species and reporting on the threats that require intervention.
The structure of a woodland and its composition is partly assessed on key species, density of the canopy and understory, how many gaps to allow light & its deadwood habitat. The habitat is also assessed for it’s wet & rocky features, the ground vegetation and lichen and bryophyte interest.
Frullania tamarisci
The light levels are to be managed in order to get light not only the ground but the trunks of trees, bringing down those lichens from the canopy and encouraging less common species of mosses and liverworts across the various substrates.
Overall a very exciting analysis on the quality of our temperate rainforest habitat, or where there is further potential here in the south west.
We’re proud to be involved with such valuable work organised and being executed by the Woodland Trust and Plantlife.
Tricholea tomentella
Both charities have given so much by sharing their knowledge base to ensure operators in woodlands in the wider landscape do the right thing by woodlands, their biodiversity and the habitats within.
We’ve gained a great deal of knowledge from being involved with Plantlife’s Building resilience in South West Woodlands project (funded by the heritage lottery fund) and Woodland Trust’s Ancient Woodland Restoration courses over the years. With thanks to all involved.
About the author: Angie Cruse
As well as working hard on the ground here in the UK, Angie has spent ample time volunteering in conservation abroad and continually studies habitat management in conservation.
rain-forest potential. Looking at the quality of habitat features, their current structure, searching for indicator species and reporting on the threats that require intervention.
