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Deciduous woodland (Characteristics and climate (Temperate deciduous…
Deciduous woodland
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Vegetation
The trees have typically large broad leaves, such as oak, beech and elm. These form the canopy layer.
As some light can get through, the vegetation is layered.
Beneath the taller trees is a shrub layer. The shrub layer contains species like hazel, ash and holly.
Grass, bracken or bluebells can be found in the ground layer.
Soils
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In the autumn the leaves fall from the trees. The leaves decompose and help to give the soil its nutrients.
Earthworms in the soil help to mix the nutrients, and blend the layers within the soil.
The tree roots are deep and so help to break up the rock below. This helps to give the soil more minerals.
The trees take up the nutrients in the soil as they grow. However, more nutrients are put back in the soil when the autumn comes.
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Case study
Epping forest
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The forest is used by visitors and looked after to help maintain the wildlife and its historic landscape.
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Management
The City of London Corporation has overall responsibility to manage the forest, which is a site of special scientific interest which protects the trees by law.
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Pollarding
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This technique encourages new growth, and maintains the trees for future generations.
The recreational areas for biking and horse riding are marked out. This reduces damage to other areas of the forest
Dead wood is left to rot. Rotten wood is food for fungi and encourages wildlife. Some grassy areas are left uncut to encourage wildlife like butterflies.
