Habitat Creation | Woodland Management

Influencing different groups of wildlife

Every species in a woodland has different requirements, catering for them all is almost impossible. Some woods are managed for their ancient trees, whilst others the aim is to sustain a rare species. It is important to evaluate what makes a wood important and to conserve its characteristic features.

Invertebrates - Some are generalists and are able to thrive in any situation, whilst others find it difficult to survive unless their specialist requirements are matched. Open sunny glades, old trees and deadwood, wet areas and water bodies should all be treated carefully.

Song birds and small mammals - These all enjoy a wide range of tree ages. Woodpeckers and nuthatches require old trees for nesting while some bat species roost in hollow trees.

Flowering plants - thrive in open sunny locations such as woodland edges, clearings, or rides.

Mosses and lichens - Found in damp and wet woodlands and wetland areas. They like dense shade and rotting wood to grow on.

Diversification - Introducing woodland flora

Introducing woodland flora is a good way to diversify and create many wildlife niches to your woodland. However, establishment of such ground flora is not easy, as the natural picture you see in old woodlands reflects centuries of slow development, and cannot be recreated in a few seasons. The main problem is them being smothered by other weeds in the sunlight due to the open canopy of the young trees.

To improve the development of woodland flora you can manage the ground between the trees by removing turf around the new plants. Another option is plants of native species can be pot grown, then planted once the conditions are favourable. When planting concentrate on a few small areas at a time, and propagate a few plants each year into the woodland

Habitat Creation | Woodland Management

Influencing different groups of wildlife

Diversification - Introducing woodland flora

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