WL2D Fagus sylvatica – Hedera helix woodland
Vegetation
This is a high forest community (mean canopy height = 20.9 m, n = 57) dominated by Fagus sylvatica and Fraxinus excelsior. Acer pseudoplatanus is frequently present and occasionally Quercus robur may be found. In the understorey, Crataegus monogyna frequently occurs but provides sparse cover. Ilex aquifolium and Corylus avellana may also persist beneath the closed canopy. The only field layer constants are Hedera helix and Rubus fruticosus agg., although Dryopteris dilatata, Lonicera periclymenum and Viola riviniana/reichenbachiana are frequent. Amongst the deep and extensive beech litter, other forbs are usually scanty, with Arum maculatum, Geum urbanum, Circaea lutetiana and Geranium robertianum each being only occasional. Spring visitors to these stands may, however, encounter lush displays of Hyacinthoides non-scripta. The bryophyte layer is typically rather weak, comprising Kindbergia praelonga, Eurhynchium striatum, Thamnobryum alopecurum and Thuidium tamariscinum.
Ecology
This is a fairly base-rich woodland community primarily found on well-drained mineral soils (mean organic content = 19.0%, n = 68). It occurs on flat or sloping ground, usually in the lowland landscape (mean slope = 10.6°, n = 68; mean altitude = 76 m, n = 68). Soils are quite fertile. This community is particularly associated with old demesnes, urban areas and parklands.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities have been described for this community.
Similar communities
Fagus sylvatica is more abundant here than in any of the other communities in group WL2. Where abundant Fagus is encountered on more acidic soils, stands may be better categorised within group WL1, as WL1A if it occurs with Quercus robur and WL1B or WL1C if it occurs with Quercus petraea.
Conservation value
This is on average a rather species-poor woodland community (total species/100 m2 = 22.4, n = 87) with a limited bryophyte flora (bryophyte species/100 m2 = 7.4, n = 87). As these stands are typically dominated by Fagus sylvatica, a non-native species, they 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.