Distribution, Longevity and Survival of Upland Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Scrub in North Wales in Relation to Sheep Grazing

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
(1) Distribution of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) scrub in an upland area of North Wales, was surveyed. At three typical study sites, hawthorn occurrence was studied in relation to vegetation type and sheep densities. (2) Hawthorn scrub generally occurred as scattered stands on steep slopes with Agrostis-Festuca grassland, with or without bracken (Pteridium aquilinum). (3) Hawthorn bushes occurred as isolated individuals or in clumps. Some bushes in clumps were derived from root suckers, but most isolated bushes were from seeds. (4) The mean age of single-stemmed bushes was 55 years (range 10-115 years). There were very few bushes < 20 years old. However, the ability of bushes to spread by suckers may enable them to live indefinitely. (5) Growth rate of hawthorns varied considerably between and within sites, making it impossible to estimate their age from their girth with any useful degree of accuracy. (6) Sheep seem to control hawthorn equipment, which has decreased as sheep grazing has increased. Unless sheep numbers are halved for a prolonged period, probably at least 15 years, most of the remaining hawthorns will probably disappear in 60-70 years.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: