Woody Plant Assemblages in the Hedges of Eastern Ireland: Products of History or of Ecology?

Abstract

Variation in the community composition of hedges in the Leinster region may be explained to a large extent by ecological factors. Disclosed patterns of community composition indicate a primary base-rich (Euonymus europaeus, Viburnum opulus) to base-poor (Rubus idaeus, Sorbus aucuparia) gradient, with a secondary wet to dry gradient also apparent. These differences correspond closely to the broad physiographic zonation of the Irish landscape. The underlying community composition pattern is complicated and to some extent obscured by the presence of a substantial synanthropic element, including Acer pseudoplatanus, Symphoricarpos albus, Prunus domestica and Fagus sylvatica. The patterns are further complicated at local level by the presence of drains, streams and boundaries of varying dates and manner of origin and by the occurrence of limestone-derived glacial soils and raised bogs in close proximity.