HABITATS: Wood-pasture & parkland |
‘Wood-pasture & parkland’ is a priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), and is generally the product of an
historic land management system. It typically consists of large, open-grown or high forest
trees (often pollards) at various densities, in a matrix of grazed grassland, heath or woodland
floras. Parks are frequently of national historic, cultural and landscape
importance.
These habitats are particularly
important for their number and continuity of veteran (ancient) trees, with an associated saproxylic
(wood-eating) fauna and epiphytic flora. They are outstanding at a European level, because
veteran trees are significantly more abundant in Britain than elsewhere. Parkland can provide
important habitat for bats and birds, and may also help to preserve indigenous tree
genotypes.
|
Lawyer's wig (shaggy inkcap) in the park at Kemerton Court
|
|
|
Oak and Cow Parsley
|
Beech plantation - planted on Bredon Hill in 1984
|
Kemerton Park
The Trust has recently taken part in a major new
parkland scheme in Kemerton, co-funded by DEFRA. Four arable fields, one grass field and two small woods have been combined into
a single ‘park’ of around 55 acres (22 ha) in extent. It is an extension of the small eighteenth century
park associated with Kemerton Court, which lies adjacent to the east. The new park incorporates a number
of mature and veteran trees – some formerly in boundary hedges – which provide important habitat for dead-wood
invertebrates. Several hundred more oak, ash, small-leaved lime and beech have been planted to ensure the
long-term replacement of veteran trees. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used in the management
of the park, and over time it is expected that a rich habitat for dead-wood invertebrates and other wildlife
will develop. The park is prominently located at the entrance to the village of Kemerton, and is crossed
by a footpath.
Back to Top
|