Pasture-woodland and its conservation in Britain

Abstract

Pasture-woodland occurs as a wide range of types in Britain. It is particularly important for nature conservation in terms of its lichen, invertebrate and bird populations, and also for bat roosts and probably fungi. Its interest tends to complement that of coppice woods, the other major form in which ancient semi-natural woodland has survived. Pasture-woodland (including pollard trees) is widespread in Europe, but British examples of international importance have been identified. It is under threat from over-grazing and consequent lack of regeneration, but also some of its characteristic species may be lost if grazing is removed altogether. The lichen component of pasture-woodland is particularly sensitive to air pollution, while removal of fallen dead wood and felling of old trees may damage the invertebrate interest. There is a major need to produce site inventories and descriptions, to raise awareness of the special value of pasture-woodland, and to implement more widely me site management techniques that are being used successfully on a number of key sites at present. The isolation of many sites cannot be reduced in the short term, but in general terms old trees in the countryside must not be allowed to diminish further.