WOODLAND and HABITAT PLAN CANDREN BURN, MILLARSTON ...

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Woodland / Habitat Survey The survey area was divided into sections 1 – 5, the sections are loosely based on changes occurring in the habitat along the burn. Descriptions of each section follow, a plan is attached to assist with identification of the boundaries. Area 1 The Bank The upper story (8 – 10m high) consists of an intimate mixture of young and semi-mature Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Oak (Quercus robur), with Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) reaching maturity, growing densely at the top of the bank and in mixture throughout. The under story consists of occasional Holly (Ilex aquafolium) and Wild Raspberry (Rubus idaeus). Ground cover is light on the bank with Fern (Dryopteris ssp.) and patches of mixed grasses with Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) growing densely along the burn and lightly on the bank. Flat area (Area 1A) This was to originally be a SUDS pond, now moved elsewhere, it is identified as sub-area 1A. The upper story (4 – 5m high) is young densely stocked Birch (Betula pubescens), with no under story and a ground cover of mixed grasses mainly Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica). Area 2 Almost exclusively Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica). There is no upper story and little other ground cover. Area 3 The upper story has a very fragmented canopy of Elder (Sambucus nigra), Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Ash (Fraxinus excelsiori) (14 –15m tall) and Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) (14 – 15m tall). The under story is dense Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) with Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) along the burnside. Ground cover, where it occurs is Ivy (Hedera helix), the Ivy has also colonised many of the trees.
Area 4 The upper story (14 – 15m high) has a variable density of canopy consisting of Elder (Sambucus nigra), Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Crack Willow (Salix fragilis). Beneath the closed canopy Ivy has almost completely colonised the ground and many of the trees. The under story is dominated by Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and Wild Raspberry (Rubus idiaeus) where the Ivy is lightest. Along the burnside Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) dominates. Where the ground is free of Ivy, the ground cover is more diverse than in areas 1, 2 and 3. Outside the canopy and amongst the Bramble and Wild Raspberry, Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens), Queen of the Meadow (Spiraea ulmaria), Fern (Dryopteris spp.), mixed grasses and Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major L) are growing and thriving. Along the burnside and occasionally further up the bank Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is growing vigorously. Area 5 Area 5 has an upper story (14 – 15m high) of Elder (Sambucus nigra), Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Crack Willow (Salix fragilis). The trees are well spaced and the canopy light and Ivy is not so dominant. Bramble and Wild Raspberry, Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens), Queen of the Meadow (Spiraea ulmaria), Fern (Dryopteris spp.), mixed grasses and Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major L) are all present with the addition of Rosebay Willow Herb (Chamerion angustifolium). Along the burnside and occasionally further up the bank Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is growing vigorously. Conclusion The site, as woodland, is in a derelict state, it appears to be approx 30 –40 years old. As a habitat, the diversity of tree species and uneven age and density is advantageous. The lack of management has left a limited under story and impoverished ground cover. The extensive invasion of Japanese Knotweed is a major problem, which will have to be addressed quickly. The trees and vegetation are stabilising a very steeply sloping bank, this stabilisation is important for the development site and integrity of the burn. It is important therefore to make changes to the habitat slowly. The 1.8 metre high wood fence which is proposed along rear of the development, under
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WOODLAND and HABITAT PLAN CANDREN BURN, MILLARSTON ...

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