F32
Irish-British-Norman mixed pedunculate ash-oak forests (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea, Fraxinus excelsior, partly with Fagus sylvatica) with Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Description
High forests with a tree layer as high as 20 m or more, dominated by oaks (usually Quercus robur, locally and in Ireland with Q. petraea). Birches are companions (mainly Betula pendula, in Ireland Betula pubescens); Fraxinus excelsior, Ulmus glabra and (naturalised) Acer pseudoplatanus. The latter appears more frequently in the moister west and north (and also in France). The introduced Fagus sylvatica is quite common, however, but has a small degree of coverage and rejuvenates spontaneously. Tilia cordata, Carpinus betulus and (naturalised) Castanea sativa sometimes occur in Great Britain. Shrub layer with dominant Corylus avellana as well as Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, Ilex aquifolium (in moister areas), Sorbus aucuparia and locally Sambucus nigra. The lower shrub layer often consists of Rubus fruticosus and Lonicera periclymenum. Hyacinthoides non-scripta is the dominant species of the herb layer which is characteristic in the spring, and often Pteridium aquilinum becomes dominant in the midsummer. In Ireland there are numerous ferns. Bryophytes do not play any special role, but increase towards the west.
F32a: Minhiriath and Dunland
F32b: Lindon
Tree Layer
dominating Quercus robur (Common Oak), partly Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak), admixed Betula pendula (Silver Birch), Fraxinus excelsior (Common Ash), Ulmus glabra (Elm), Acer pseudoplatanus (introduced) (Field Maple), locally Fagus sylvatica (introduced) (Common Beech),Also in F32b: scattered Tilia cordata (Common Linden), Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam), Castanea sativa (introduced) (Horse Chestnut), Prunus avium (Common Linden)
Common Oak dominating, partly with Sessile Oak, admixed Silver Birch, Common Ash, Elm, Field Maple, in F32b also locally Common Beech, scattered in Lindon Hornbeam, Horse Chestnut, Common Linden
Shrub Layer
Corylus avellana (Hazel), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Crataegus laevigata (Hawthorn), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Sorbus aucuparia, Sambucus nigra (Elder), Rubus fruticosus agg. (Fruiting Bramble), Lonicera periclymenum (English Elm Bush)Also in F32b: Viburnum opulus (Linden Bush), Cornus sanguinea (Fruiting Dogwood), Euonymus europaea (Spindle)Oak, Apple, Alder, Downy Willow and Willow saplings
Lianas
Lonicera periclymenum, Hedera helix
Herb Layer
Hyacinthoides non-scripta (ABSENT), Stellaria holostea (grass), Anemone nemorosa (ABSENT), Oxalis acetosella (alpine_bearberry), Dryopteris filix-mas (fern_1, bracken, fern), Dryopteris affinis subsp. Borreri (fern_1, bracken, fern), Dryopteris dilatata (fern_1, bracken, fern), Polystichum setiferum, Hedera helix, Pteridium aquilinum (bracken), Holcus mollis (dry_reeds), Blechnum spicant (fern_1, fern), Luzula sylvatica (greater_wood_rush), Carex sylvatica (woodland_sedge), Brachypodium sylvaticum (lush_grass), Primula acaulis (wild_parsley), Sanicula europaea (oxeye_daisy)
Loads of bracken yay
Forests in Harlindon and northern Minhiriath
