9
the shape of their leaves and the mosaic they
form. The loss of the larch needles in winter
does allow more light to penetrate to the wood-
land floor, but at a time of restricted plant
growth. Also, the soil at this site is well
drained and it is further dried by superficial
beech rootlets (which also trip unwary natur-
alists, young and old, engrossed in other
observations'). In addition, the ground is
covered with a layer of leaf and needle litter
which decays slowly. Under these conditions,
seedlings of other plants would have difficulty
in establishing themselves.
Towards the edge of the wood, where lateral
light was penetrating, and in areas where trees
were spaced, some bracken (Pteridium aqui-
linum) bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-
scripta) and brambles (Rubus sp.) were
recorded.
Area 2
A section of mature mixed deciduous woodland
within an area known as "The Forest" which has
been "managed" since the 17th century. The
pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) was common,
together with mature beech (Fagus sylvatica)
and birch (Betula pendula), forming a mod-
erately high canopy of some 30—80 feet. In
some areas, where horse chestnuts (Aesculus
hippocastanum) had been felled a few years
previously, the woodland was more open. The
shrub layer development was directly related to
the canopy thickness and included hazel
(Corylus avellana), bramble (Rubus sp) and
various young deciduous trees. The field
layer was much more prolific and varied. It