The impact of deer on the ground flora of British broadleaved woodland

Abstract

Summary Recent studies have shown that the ground flora is being heavily affected by increased levels of grazing within British broadleaved woodland, particularly as a consequence of rising deer populations. General trends observed include a reduction in Rubus fruticosus and other tall-growing herbs and ferns (other than bracken, Pteridium aquilinum) and increases in grasses and lowergrowing species. Grazing of the flowers is common for some species and may be as significant in terms of long-term survival of the species as loss of leaf material. Most vegetation types contain some species that may be sensitive to grazing: their abundance will therefore be very dependent on the grazing history of the stand. This can affect how the wood is classified under the National Vegetation Classification. Grazing impacts must be recognized by forest managers, but are not necessarily damaging in themselves. A variable and varying level of grazing within a wood is likely to bring most benefits for biodiversity.