Changes in the composition of Wytham Woods (Southern England) 1974-2002, in stands of different origins and past treatment.

Abstract

AbstractA total of 163 permanent quadrats were recorded in 1974, 1991 and 2001 in Wytham Woods, a mixed, 320-ha woodland in Oxfordshire, southern England, UK. Data were collected on tree and shrub layers and ground flora changes. Many aspects of the woods have remained stable over the 27 years since the first recording: there has been little change in overall tree composition or in average ground flora richness. However, the shrub layer has declined; cover of Rubus fruticosus has declined, but that of Brachypodium sylvaticum has increased, probably because of increased deer browsing. Differences in the composition of ancient and recent semi-natural stands declined over the period: some ancient woodland species spread further into recent woodland (e.g. Carex pendula).