Open spaces as habitats for vascular ground flora species in the woods of central Lincolnshire, UK

Abstract

The vascular flora of open space habitats was examined in 89 ancient woods and 273 recent secondary woods in Central Lincolnshire by means of whole-site species lists. 467 species were found in the ground vegetation of all 362 woods combined, of which the majority (60%) were strongly associated with open space habitats. Within individual woods, however, shade species generally constituted a majority of the total flora, and in several very small woods open space species were completely absent, but in large woods (>40 ha) open space species often outnumbered the shade species. Open space habitats within woods were not adequate substitutes for semi-natural grassland, heath and mire, for most of the rare and specialised species of these habitats were rarely or never found in woods. Nevertheless, woodland rides supported rich mixtures of grassland and edge species, many of which have been largely eliminated from the intensively farmed land around the woods. If new woods on farmland (i) are located close to existing woods and non-woodland semi-natural habitats, (ii) extend to at least 3ha and (iii) include some permanent open spaces, the individual woods may become diverse habitats, and they will make a significant contribution to regional biodiversity.