Ancient Woodland Indicators
By woodlandstv
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Naturalist expert, John Rhyder, walks through a Sussex wood, stopping to identify the plants, trees and physical features of an ancient woodland. John explains how even the surrounding area place names can be indicators of a wood`s history. http://www.woodcraftschool.co.uk An Adliberate film http://www.adliberate.co.uk for WoodlandsTV http://www.woodlands.co.uk/tv
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Discussion
The little blue flower shown but not mentioned at the end looks like it might be a Lobelia.
Vegetation classification is very different in the US. We base things on dominant or canopy vegetation (after Daubenmire), not on indicator species (after Braun-Blanquet). Perhaps that is because we have more of our original vegetation remaining. When the original vegetation is gone, how does one come to understand what the site potential is? Indicator species are one way. I wish I was more well-versed in the Braun-Blanquet system, then I might be able to get a job in Europe. I am fascinated with European landscapes and vegetation potential, and the "spirit-of-place" of European wild places, especially forests. Hard to tell of course from a video, but this woodland appears by our classification system to be something like a Fagus-Acer/Corylus (Beech-Maple/Hazel) forest. It resonates deeply and calls out to me as a suitable habitat for the likes of myself.
The blue/purple flower on the tall stem in the video is Ajuga reptans common name bugle. It's native to Europe and can be found in parts of North America. It can be used as a medicinal plant.
Fantastic video, John
Brilliant
yes for the horses.
Great video. Well presented. Thanks
Ruined by shit music….
The presenter did well to play all those instruments and do the presentation as well
Considering ecological succession is helpful also for evaluating the age of a forest. As ecological succession progresses, the ratio of fungi to bacteria will tip further and further in the direction of many more fungi than bacteria. Certain types of plants thrive in soils that are higher in fungal content, while others are inhibited and, rather, thrive in disturbed areas where there are far fewer fungi and far more bacteria.
Thanks for the video – very interesting and I am sure that I will be able use the tips you shared when we are out exploring the woods around us. Cheers
Sumo Survival Bushcraft
December 30, 2014