The distribution of the Oxlip Primula elatior (L.) Hill in Essex
Fig. 2. The percentage of oxlip plants producing flowers in woodland and non-woodland sites
as well. They reduce seed production by eating both flowers and leaves. But the differences between
the managed and un-managed areas of the wood are affected by the levels of shade (more so since
the percentage of flower stalks eaten by the deer show no significant difference between managed
and unmanaged areas). It is clear that policies of coniferisation or non-intervention are not serving
the Oxlip well. In the woods visited in this survey only 47% of the plants counted produced flowers
(Figure 2). A higher level of flowering. 61%, was found in the non-woodland sites, as one would
expect on verges and meadows where the habitat receives more sunlight. Similarly Oxlips were
found to flower well on the sunny borders of grassy rides of even the most densely coniferised
woodlands The low figure overall reflects the small number of woods that are regularly coppiced
in the absence of sufficient profitable markets for small round wood.
Table 4. The effects of shade and protection from grazing on flower production at
Hempstead Wood, Essex (results based on 16 x 1.25m square quadrats for each treatment)
Analysis by 'I' lest:
% of scapes eaten - n.s.d. between shade and sunlight.
% of scapes eaten - significantly more eaten (P