8
in Weald Country Park (map ref. TQ 564948),
which was part of the Weald Hall estate for
over 450 years. It is now owned and managed
by Essex County Council who allowed this study
to take place. Each area was examined on the
following days:-
April 26th, 1987
July 5th, 1987
October 11th, 1987
January 31st, 1988
2. Preliminary Survey
Preliminary observations were made in each area
noting the floral structure and principal
components and then some biotic and abiotic
habitat factors were considered. Photographs
were taken at each site throughout the year,
and proved to be a useful record, especially
following the devastation of the October
storms.
5. Results
3.1. Floral Structure
Area 1
Quicks Plantation: planted in 1961 with Scots
pine (Pinus sylvestris), European larch
(Larix decidua) and underplanted with beech
(Fagus sylvatica). The shrub and field
layers are essentially absent. This is mainly
due to the dense canopy that occurs for much of
the year. The light is significantly reduced
by the conifers and in summer this is com-
pounded, when the beeches are in full leaf, by