SC1A Prunus spinosa – Crataegus monogyna scrub
Vegetation
This community consists mainly of thorny mixes of Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna and Rubus fruticosus agg. with clambering stems of Hedera helix and, beneath, some straggling Galium aparine. Rosa canina, Ulex europaeus and Urtica dioica can be often be added to the rather unfriendly list of species. The fern Pteridum aquilinum is frequent, and other other ferns (Polystichum setiferum, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Dryopteris filix-mas) are occasional.
Ecology
Most records of this community come from hedgerows and hedgebanks in the lowlands, but it also occurs as scrub, invading abandoned fields and fringing woodland. Due to its thorny and rather commonplace nature, it has been vastly under-recorded.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
Community SC1B is similar in character, but lacks Prunus spinosa.
Conservation value
Hedgerows and scrub can provide valuable habitat for bird, mammals and invertebrates particularly within enclosed agricultural landscapes. Species/30 m2 = 14.1, n = 14.
Management
Hedgerows would once have been periodically layed to maintain their vigour and make them stockproof. Today, the vast majority of hedges are mechanically flailed. Hedgerows and scrub may be lost due to enlargement of fields, agricultural improvement and urban developments.