ECOLOGY OF THE WOODLAND FIELD LAYER

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Abstract
This paper aims to examine the nature of field layer plants with a view to establishing attractive and diverse communities in new woodlands, or enriching communities which already exist. The introduction summarises the historical, ecological and aesthetic importance of ancient semi-natural woodlands and the role of traditional coppicing. The type of information needed for field layer establishment, and sources of information are reviewed. Ethical aspects of habitat creation are considered. These include the importance of using stock of British origin, the creation of regionally characteristic communities using local stock, the avoidance of rarities and the maintenance of planting records. The ecological diversity of the woodland field layer is considered in terms of the three strategy model of GRIME (1979), and is illustrated by referring to 3 communities in the Shropshire region. The role of shade is discussed and its effects examined by reference to specific examples. Finally, a wider perspective on habitat creation identifies other important aspects such as regeneration, the collecting and organisation of information and the urgency of linking this with practice.