WL2E Corylus avellana – Potentilla sterilis woodland


  • Woodlands and forests (WL)
  • WL2 Fraxinus excelsior – Hedera helix group
  • WL2E Corylus avellana – Potentilla sterilis woodland
Scientific name:
Corylus avellana – Potentilla sterilis woodland
Common name:
Hazel – Barren Strawberry woodland
Community code:
WL2E
Full PDF Synopsis

WL2E Corylus avellana – Potentilla sterilis woodland

Vegetation

Corylus avellana dominates the low canopy of this diverse woodland community (mean canopy height = 12.3 m, n = 68). Crataegus monogyna usually joins the hazel or persists beneath, frequently in a spiny understorey with Prunus spinosa. Fraxinus excelsior is also frequent, occurring as young trees or saplings, or sometimes as emergents above the hazel. Spindly shrubs of Euonymus europaeus may also be found here. In the field layer, the constants are Rubus fruticosus agg., Hedera helix, Viola riviniana/reichenbachiana, Potentilla sterilis, Geum urbanum and Fragaria vesca. Frequent forbs include Geranium robertianum, Oxalis acetosella, Arum maculatum, Circaea lutetiana, Veronica chamaedrys, Primula vulgaris and Sanicula europaea. The chief ferns are Dryopteris filix-mas, Polystichum setiferum and Phyllitis scolopendrium. There is usually a luxuriant bryophyte layer coating the ground, rocks and lower trunks, primarily consisting of Thuidium tamariscinum, Eurhynchium striatum, Thamnobryum alopecurum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Kindbergia praelonga, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Hylocomium brevirostre, Plagiochila asplenioides and Ctenidium molluscum.

Ecology

This is a base-rich scrub woodland community primarily associated with well-drained mineral soils (mean organic content = 21.6%, n = 72). It is found on flat or sloping ground in the lowlands (mean slope = 11.1°, n = 72; mean altitude = 57 m, n = 72), often where there is outcropping limestone. Soils are of fairly average fertility.

Sub-communities

Two sub-communities have been described for this community. The Ctenidium molluscum – Epipactis helleborine sub-community (WL2Ei) largely represents species-rich stands associated with limestone pavement complexes. Ctenidium molluscum, Epipactis helleborine, Tortella tortuosa, Lejeunea cavifolia, Fissidens taxifolius and Plagiochila asplenioides are more frequent in this sub-community, as are a number of the forb species listed above. The Fraxinus excelsior – Ilex aquifolium sub-community (WL2Eii) represents a more general assemblage with fewer karst indicators.

Similar communities

Hazel-dominated stands are also included within community WL1C but those occur on more acidic soils and generally lack the suite of forbs occurring in the present community that are indicative of basic conditions.

Conservation value

This is quite a species-rich woodland community (total species/100 m2 = 37.5, n = 102) with a fairly diverse bryophyte flora (bryophyte species/100 m2 = 13.3, n = 102). Stands do not qualify as any of the EU HD Annex I woodland habitats, but stands on thin soils occurring in association with karst limestone could be considered under habitat 8240 Limestone pavement*.

Management

One of the main threats to these woodlands is woodland or scrub clearance. Conversely, abandonment of grazing in some areas has led to significant increases in hazel scrub. These stands may be grazed by livestock (often cattle) or feral goats and overgrazing can be an issue. Sites can also be lost due to quarrying of limestone.

  • Contact Us
  • +353 51 306 240
  • National Biodiversity Data Centre
    Beechfield House,
    Waterford Institute of Technology West Campus,
    Carriganore,
    Co. Waterford,
    Ireland.
    X91 PE03

Download our free smartphone app for recording in the field
Android App
Apple App

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Register Number: 730718.

 

  • Privacy
We made this!
  • Home
  • About
    • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
      • Ireland’s GBIF profile
      • The GBIF Network
      • Latest news at GBIF
      • GBIF Science Review
    • Strategic Objectives
  • Monitoring & tracking change
  • Assisting conservation
  • Ireland’s Biodiversity Learning Platform
  • Workshops
  • Publications
  • Biodiversity Ireland’s Top 10
  • Videos
  • Shop
  • News and Events
    • Distinguished Recorder Award
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. You can view our privacy policy here.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non Necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Save & Accept