Effects of drought on beech in Lady Park Wood, an unmanaged mixed deciduous woodland

Abstract

The effects over 16 years of the 1976 drought on the beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) population in mature, mixed deciduous, semi-natural stands in Lady Park Wood are described. Individual trees were recorded within sample transects at intervals from 1945 onwards, so it was also possible to examine responses in relation to previous growth. Many mature beeches were killed immediately or severly damaged. Growth of survivors was negligible until about 1985 and never recovered to pre-drought rates. Damaged trees were still dying 15 years later from drought-induced damage. Sub-canopy beech in those parts of the wood which suffered most canopy mortality grew rapidly after 1983. Through its effects on beech, the drought had a marked impact on the structure and successional trajectory of the wood.