LW-Deciduous+Woodlands



This webpage will cover the following:
 * the climate of the ecosystem
 * the stratification (layers) of the ecosystem
 * the different types of vegetation
 * how the deciduous forest is used and sustainably managed

Video on the deforestation of the deciduous woodlands in the UK - []


 * The climate of Temperate Deciduous forests**

Temperate Deciduous forests are found across much of north-west Europe, eastern North America and parts of East Asia. They occur in these regions because they are well suited to the moderate climate. The climate isn't extreme - summers are warm and winters are cool:
 * the annual temperature range in these areas is low
 * precipitation can occur throughout the year
 * there is a long growing season


 * Soils A brown earth soil**
 * the most common type of soil is known as brown earth, which is reddish-brown in colour[[image:11620brauneerdeotranto-m[1].jpg align="right"]]
 * deciduous trees lose their leaves every year. The fallen leaves then slowly rot - helping to keep the soil fertile
 * mineral are slowly washed (or leached) through the soil


 * Vegetation**

Deciduous types their leaves in the winter, when the light and temperature falls. The vegetation in temperate deciduous forests grows in layers (see the diagram below). Bluebells grow very quickly in the spring so they can flower before the trees get their leaves as the forest floor is too dark to grow when the canopy is complete.


 * __The stratification of the temperate deciduous forest__**
 * __How is the Deciduous forest used and sustainably managed?__**


 * Recreation in Epping Forest**

Millions of people visit Epping Forest every year. With its woods, grassy plains and attractive ponds and lakes, there's somethig for everyone. There are many footpaths for walkers (including easy access paths for people with limited mobility), 50km of rides for horse riders, and plenty of space for cyclists:
 * there are over 60 football pitches for hire on Wanstead flats
 * there's also an 18-hole golf course at Chingford
 * refreshments are avialbale throughout the forest, ranging from tea stalls, ice-cream stands, pubs and cafes

Epping Forest is in Essex. It is north-east of London and covers an area of 2,500 hectares and about 19km long and 4 km wide. 70% of the Epping Forest is deciuous woodland. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife such as all three native species of woodpecker and wood-boring stag beetles. Fallow deer still roam the forest.


 * Sustainable management**


 * For many years the practice of pollarding was used to manage the woodland. This invloves cutting the trees to about shoulder height, above the level of browsing by animals such as deer. Pollarded trees reshoot at this height, thereby producing new wood for future cutting This is a good example of sustainable management as it ensures a supply of wood for future generations. It also accounts for the presence of some ancient trees because, rahtr than being felled they were pollarded[[image:devon%20tree%20surgery%20pollarding[1].jpg align="right"]]
 * Over 1,600 hectares has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a European Special Area of Conservation. This offers protection under law to its large number of ancient trees, which support a vast variety of flora and fauna
 * The City of London Corporation looks after the forest and as part of its plans it has done or will carry out the following:
 * managing recreation by providig appropriate car parks, toilets and refreshemnt facitilties and by maintaining footpaths
 * providing three easy-access parks to allow access for people with disabilities
 * allowing old trees to die and collapse naturally unless they are dangerous
 * controlling some forms of recreation, such as riding and mountain biking, which may damage or affect other forms of recreation
 * preserving ancient trees by re-pollarding them to enable new shoots to grow - since 1981, over 1,000 anicent trees have been re-pollarded Pollarding before and after
 * encouraging grazing to maintain the grassland and the flora and fauna associated with it
 * preserving ancient earthworks and buildings
 * maintaining ponds to prevent them silting up
 * preserving the herd of fallow deer

Key terms:

Stratification: layering of forests particularly evident in temperate deciduous forests and tropical rainforests Pollarding: cutting off trees at about shoulder height to encourage new growth Sustainable management: a management approach that conserves the environment for future generations to enjoy as it is today