The impact of management on the ground flora communities of some ancient woods in the wear valley, county Durham

Abstract

(i) The range of pH values under broadleaf plantations is more restricted than under different management types, this is restricted further under conifers.(ii) Loamy soils under plantations were more acidic than under different management regimes.(iii) Species distribution was found to be independent of aspect and slope, due to the narrow range of values for these variables.(iv) Woods which contained areas of both clayey and loamy soils were found to be floristically richer than those woods which had one type of soil present.(v) There is a reduction in species diversity under plantations, with conifer plantations having the lowest species diversity. Plantation forestry results in a monotonous sward of vegetation with little ecological interest.(vi) Woodlands which have a hands off management regime are fairly poor floristically, but appear natural and have some ecological value.(vii) Woods which are managed for conservation have the greatest diversity of species and have great ecological interest.