WL2C Fraxinus excelsior – Acer pseudoplatanus woodland
Vegetation
This is a high forest community (mean canopy height = 20.8 m, n = 119) dominated by a closed canopy of Fraxinus excelsior and Acer pseudoplatanus. Quercus robur and Fagus sylvatica are occasional trees. The understorey is formed mainly by Crataegus monogyna and Corylus avellana with Ilex aquifolium frequent and Sambucus nigra occasional. Hedera helix is typically abundant in the shaded field layer alongside the other constant Rubus fruticosus agg. Frequent species are Polystichum setiferum, Geum urbanum, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Viola riviniana/reichenbachiana, Circaea lutetiana and Arum maculatum. Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Primula vulgaris may be part of the vernal flora. The bryophyte layer consists mostly of Thamnobryum alopecurum, Eurhynchium striatum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Brachythecium rutabulum and Neckera complanata.
Ecology
This is a base-rich, fertile woodland community of well-drained mineral soils (mean organic content = 17.6%, n = 129). It occurs on flat or sloping ground, in the lowlands (mean slope = 11.1°, n = 129; mean altitude = 57 m, n = 129). It may be particularly associated with old demesnes, urban areas and parklands.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities have been described for this community.
Similar communities
This community could be confused with the ash woodlands of WL2B. Stands of WL2C, however, usually have Acer pseudoplatanus in the canopy and greater frequency of Phyllitis scolopendrium, Polystichum setiferum, Sambucus nigra and Urtica dioica. Stands of WL2B are also rather more diverse.
Conservation value
This is not a particularly species-rich woodland community (total species/100 m2 = 24.7, n = 183) and has a very limited bryophyte flora (bryophyte species/100 m2 = 7.0, n = 183). Stands dominated by Acer pseudoplatanus, a non-native species, will typically have less conservation value than native woodlands.
Management
The main threats to these woodlands include woodland clearance and increased dominance of non-native species. They may be grazed by livestock so overgrazing can be an issue. Undergrazing may also occur, however, resulting in dense thickets of bramble that reduce field layer diversity.