Week 9: Understanding Woodlands

Woodlands are a stretch of land covered in low-density trees, usually accompanied by herbaceous plants, shrubs and grasses. The woodland type differs across Scotland depending on its climate, soil type, human influences, and herbivorous interactions. The Scottish government’s goal is to expand the natural, native woodlands of the region, as it is shown to increase the region’s biodiversity. 

According to the Results from the Native Woodland Survey of Scotland (Forestry Commission Scotland, 2020), the Armadale site features lowland mixed deciduous woodland with an astounding 2% of the total native woodland area. The National Vegetation Classification (NVC) type present in this woodland in type W8. W8 woodlands are usually broadleaved woodlands that contain dog’s mercury. 

According to the National Vegetation Classification handbook , W8 woodland soil can be described as rendzinas and calcareous brown earth. The primary tree type present in W8 woodlands is Ash and downy Birch. Other trees include Oak, Field Maple and Rowan. Major shrubs present are Hawthorn and Hazel. 

To qualify for creating new woodlands, the land available needs to be about 0.25 hectare in area, or about 15 metres wide.

By Susanna Cherian

Published on 23/03/2021