Bramblepest

Sarah and Sue created a new 'ride' in OC1  in 2011. ( post Dec 11th 2011)  This resulted in more light on the ground which has encouraged increased  growth of bluebells and rowan seedlings.  Unfortunately, the main species to colonise the space is bramble, which, if left unchecked will soon smother less rampant species.

Many people involved with woodlands view alien species such as rhododendron and  Himalayan Balsam as the main threat to bio-diversity, but Rob Marrs of Liverpool University argues that 'thug' plants, such as bramble, bracken,  nettles,  ivy and sycamore  are the real threat to English woodlands. They grow incredibly fast, take up lots of space, and quickly drive out slower growing plants, resulting in a marked decrease in bio-diversity. They are four times more widespread in English woodlands than imported invaders. Professor Marrs and his team studied 103 woodlands, 60% of which are classed as ancient woodland.

The diverse plant communities that developed in ancient woods were the result of thousands of years of continuous management. Coppicing, cutting for charcoal burning, removal of bracken for animal bedding, all contributed to creating light filled woods where it was difficult for one species to become dominant. Stop that management and a different - and less diverse plant community emerges.

As is well known,butterflies and hoverflies like bramble, and birds like nesting in it, so a few patches clearly make a positive contribution to biodiversity. But bramble is a thug, thriving in sun or shade, and needs to be watched closely, before it grows as intractable as bracken.  As always in the wood, it is important to continually look at the wider picture, remaining  aware of the overall impact of one's woodland management.

Reference: Professor Rob Marrs, University of Liverpool, School of Environmental Sciences 2011

Aliens or natives: who are the ‘thugs’ in British woods?

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12225-010-9237-9