Storm-damage and natural regeneration in Shellem Wood, an ancient semi-natural beechwood in south-east England

摘要

Shellem Wood was a mature beechwood [Fagus] before half (1.4ha) of it was blown down in the Great Storm of October 1987 in southern England. Fallen trees were salvaged and about half of the damaged area was replanted, mainly with groups of beech. By2001, few transplants remained alive and only cherry [Prunus] transplants had grown well. Vigorous natural regeneration had developed on shallow soils: ash [Fraxinus] was dominant on rendzinas and birch [Betula] on brown earths. On deeper brown earths,natural regeneration was more mixed but less abundant, leaving bramble abundant in places. Grey squirrels [Sciurus carolinensis] had debarked many birch poles, particularly those _4 cm diameter at breast height, and pose the most serious threat to standdevelopment. The implications for restocking broadleaved woodland are discussed.