RL
1920 1950 2016
HISTORY
The woodland was expanded to its current extent between 1910 and 1920. (see woodland site info page).
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The woodland edge has been established for 100 years. However, they are located in a well maintained area within the park therefore limiting spontaneous vegetation which can grow around the edges.
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(Ordnance Survey, 2015e)
The woodland edges are orientated south east, therefore sunlight is only obstructed by the trees in the evening.
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The surrounding woodland shelters the site from north/westerly winds. The majority of prevailing winds and rainfall are intercepted and reduced by the trees, particularly by the dense canopy in spring/summer.
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The slight is relatively exposed, therefore much lighter and less humid than the woodland. The ground was relatively dry and well drained as surface water can be evaporated by the sun.
Woodland Edge 2
MICROCLIMATE
WOODLAND EDGE LOCATION
Owing to their orientation and surrounding woodland, views are restricted to the south-east.
Edge 1 overlooks a grass opening within the woodland and a pond. Edge 2 overlooks a footpath and a smaller pond, beyond this are the ornamental planting gardens.
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ECOLOGY
INTENSIVE/EXTENSIVE VIEWS
MAINTENANCE & USE
DRAINAGE
As mentioned, evaporation at the site results in less saturated ground. As the woodland edges are located on gradual slopes, any surface water that isn't evaporated or absorbed is drained towards the ponds (see image).
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(Ordnance Survey, 2015b)
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SOILS
The underlying soil is freely draining, slightly acidic and sandy. It has a low fertility and carbon content (British Geological Survey, 2015a).
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Observations at the site revealed that the soils were sandy. The fine particles and minimal clay soils drain quickly, but they are low in plant nutrients which are washed out by rain. Sandy soils are often very acidic.
The woodland edges selected for this typology are centrally located in a popular area of the park, therefore they are maintained by the park groundstaff. The edges are very visible to dog walkers and visitors exploring the park and woodland. Throughout my site visits there was some evidence of cut back and pruning (heading and thinning) to remove old/damaged wood and promote new growth.
Woodland Edge 1
Two areas of Woodland Edge have been studied for this typology, this is due to the limited extent of each edge.
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Woodland Edge 1 is located at an opening within the woodland. It is situated by a pond which can just be seen in the left aerial photo, please see additional maps below for further information.
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Woodland Edge 2 is located on the boundary of the woodland and the ornamental planting area. Any ornamental plants at this site have been excluded from this typology study.
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