Atlantic Hazelwoods – a neglected habitat?

Abstract

Summary Atlantic Hazelwoods form a distinctive (yet apparently over-looked) habitat that appears to be unique to western Scotland and, to a lesser degree, western Ireland. The origins of this habitat appear to date from the early Holocene, and there is compelling evidence that some stands may have existed in unbroken succession for 10,000 years. Recognition of the potential relict status of some areas of hazel gradually emerged as a result of several decades of study of the lichen flora. The smooth bark of hazel in western Scotland is known to support a species-rich and specialised lichen community (the Graphidion), including rare, endemic and old woodland indicator species. However, the full expression of this community is found to occur only in certain stands: often coastal, with no (or very few) other trees or shrubs present, and with a long history, but with little evidence of intensive exploitation. Seeking further evidence to back up the relic status of these Atlantic Hazelwood stands proved elusive...