57
Figures for past and future conifer cover:
1984 35.5ha
1999 14.2ha
2002 9.0ha
2011 Nil
Since the reversion process (sec Plates 5 and 6) moved into a more planned phase in the early
1990's coupe size has been approximately 0.4ha with at least 30 standards/ha being retained.
Traditionally these would have been of timber species; usually oak or ash, but now coppice
species, e.g. small-leavcd lime and hornbeam arc also retained as a seed source (coppiced
specimens produce significantly less seed). Sallow is also kept as an occasional standard
because of its high conservation value, both as a nectar source and as a larval food plant for
moths.
The regeneration both from stools and seed is prolific. For the past 6 years small-leaved lime
has been setting viable seed, a phenomenon virtually unknown in this country (Rackham 1980
p243). Birch invasion is a possible problem that will be controlled chemically if it proves
detrimental to the regeneration of lime or hornbeam - so far this has not been necessary. Large
birch are however kept and ringbarked to kill them standing thus providing a much needed
element of dead wood (not near paths, for safety reasons).
The ground flora is recovering in the reverted areas and is at least holding on in the most heavily
shaded conifer area (Western hemlock). The pine compartment, which will be the last to be
felled, contains a good and apparently stable population of bluebells.
It must be mentioned that the removal of Chalkney's conifers does have some negative affects.
Some species of birds, notably hawfinch, crossbill, goldcrest and sparrowhawk seem to have a
preference for conifers so numbers are likely to drop in the near future. Several bryophytes
sensitive to pH may disappear due to increasing alkalinity of the leaf litter (Kaliski 1989).
Doubtless there are fungi loo which will cease to be found on the site.
A mistake we made early on was the de-silting of 2 ponds before taking 'pollen - cores' for
analysis. There is much debate regarding the management of woodland ponds but on balance, to
partially desilt, (after analysis of preserved pollen) some, but not all ponds in any one wood is
best practice. (There are two more ponds, only one of which will be de-silted).
A small but important point is the necessity of recording the species that are being removed
from the site. The conifers form a short but significant part of the wood's long history - the
long-term effects are likely to be slight but perceptible.
For the record, at the zenith (1984) the conifers of Chalkney Wood were as follows:
CorsicanPine (Pinus nigra var.maritima) ll.0ha
Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) 5.0ha
Hybrid Larch (Larix x eurolepis) 4.5ha
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) 4.5ha
Grand Fir (Abies grandis) 4.0ha
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) 3.0ha
Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) 2.5ha
Norway Spruce (Picea abies) 1.0ha
Total 35.5ha
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 16 (1999)