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7). Stenhouse Wood Status: SSSI Access: Open Map Reference: 78-NX 795 930 |
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Another area of Ancient Woodland, Stenhouse lies on a steep north-east facing hillside. It differs from the other woodland reserves in that it grows on a relatively lime-rich soil and unusually does not appear to have been managed or grazed within recent times, factors reflected in the woods composition and its species richness. A conifer plantation above the broad-leaved wood has recently been felled and is currently being replanted with native species. |
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A mixed deciduous woodland dominated by Ash, but with scattered Oak, Beech and Wych Elm and a Hazel, Hawthorn, Gean and Bird Cherry understorey. The well developed ground flora includes an extensive range of lichens, mosses, liverworts and ferns. In addition to species such as Bluebell, Honeysuckle and Wood-sorrel, many of the flowering plants are characteristic of calcareous soils and include Dog's Mercury, Ramsons and Enchanters Nightshade, with rarities such as the Goldilocks Buttercup, Yellow Archangel, Birds-nest Orchid and Toothwort. The latter two species are unusual in that they spend most of their lives below ground, the orchid beneath Beech trees, drawing its nutrition from symbiotic fungi, and Toothwort as a parasite of Hazel, only becoming visible when they put up their unusual flowering spikes. The mix of mature woodland, with plenty of dead wood and a rich understorey, and the newly regenerating scrub also contains a rich and varied invertebrate community which in turn supports a healthy avi-fauna, including Jays, Warblers, Pied Flycatchers, Redstart, Willowtits and both Green and Great-spotted Woodpeckers. |
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Photos: Woodland Scene - D. Heward; Toothwort - B. Soames |
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