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Woodlands

Native Deciduous Woodland

Woodland habitats consist of tall trees above a shrub layer. Often, trees like Oak, Beech, Sycamore, Ash, etc. make up the canopy. Slightly lower down, Birch trees sometimes grow. On the ground, some shrubs and plants manage to survive. Shrubs on the ground often produce berries, which are then eaten by birds and mammals. On the woodland floor, some plants manage to survive. These plants often supply food to insects that make their home in wooded areas.

The canopy provides nesting places for birds and Squirrels.

A lot of activity happens below the canopy. Shrubs flower and produce berries, which feed birds, and Gamebirds nest on the ground, using bushes as shelter. Thick cover also provides warmth to nesting birds. Thick woodland is always warmer than open ground such as farm fields. Insects inhabit the leaf litter on the woodland floor. These insects provide food for woodland birds. Deer scrape dead velvet off their antlers by rubbing their antlers on tree trunks. Many other things take place as well.

Other facts about woodland[]

Woodland can be managed by mankind, to produce timber, firewood, for shooting, and many other things. Because of the many uses of woodland, there is no completely natural woodland left in Britain. All woodland has been managed by man at some point in time. Some ancient woodland was felled after the Second World War, to provide building materials. This woodland was replanted by the Forestry Commission, as conifer woodland, which had a disastrous effect on wildlife. Nowadays, the Forestry Commission is working on new ways to manage forestry for the benefit of wildlife.

Species Seen[]

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Redstart Tawny Owl Blue Tit Blackbird
Spring Usher Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Angle Shades Scarce Umber


Woodland near aireyholme farm

Native broadleaved woodland

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