The tallest and most dominant ground
cover species is non-native cherry. The next two most dominant species are mosses
with negligible height. This indicates that at the height of most of the non native
cherries there is little competition from other species. Cherries tend to be fast
growing, so with few competing species, they could rapidly increase their presence unless
management action is taken.
In June 2001 there were 27 plant species in the Stony
Area, more than any other area in the Wet Woodland. However, the aggressive presence
of non-native cherry could reduce this figure if left unmanaged. Non-native cherry
grows rapidly and in dense patches, blocking the sunlight and preventing other young
plants from growing.
There is a significant number of different mosses (11)
which occur in small amounts scattered widely across the area. The Stony Area lies
adjacent to the Woodland Education Centre's Heathland and many heathland plant species are
present in both areas.
The most numerous tall trees were Silver Birch (Betula
pendula) while the tree with greatest height was a Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia).
Tall non-native Cherry (Prunus sp.) and Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
are present in small numbers as aliens. |