Thomas Pattinson
School of Geography , Geology and the Environment
Comparing Plant and Invertebrate Diversity in Coppice and High Forest Habitats within a Historical Coppice in Shropshire
Coppicing is a historical management technique of broadleaved woodlands where trees are typically cut to ground level every 7 to 10 years . A section of coppice is harvested and sold each year , and this creates a heterogenous woodland . The wide range of habitats found benefit an increased range of plant and invertebrate species , especially light-demanding woodland species in the early stages , many of which are on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan . Additionally , many coppices are located on ancient woodland sites , so are likely to contain species that have low colonisation rates . Unfortunately coppice management has declined , and it has been well documented that the transition of coppice into high forest ( tree canopy dominated woodland ) has negative effects on the plant and invertebrate populations associated . However , it cannot be assumed that after decades of heavy shading that simply coppicing a site will cause a return of rare coppice-species , since they are likely to have become locally extinct , making colonisation more difficult . This project will investigate the impact that coppice restoration has on plant and invertebrate populations in a historical coppice in Shropshire , by comparing high-forest and coppice habitat on the same site . The findings should help inform future management practices .
Postgraduate Conference 2021 Page 33