We know that Lion Wood has stood for at least a thousand years. Oak trees in particular can live for a long time and are the gems of Lion Wood. Oak supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK – up to 2,300 species. As the trees get older they shrink in height to extend their lifespan.
There are a small number of Beech trees. The squirrels enjoy their nuts which are small and not very tasty for humans.
There are some splendid Hornbeam trees in Lion Wood. These resemble Beech, but the toothed edge of the leaf, which is smaller than that of the Beech, can help to distinguish it. One of the moths whose caterpillars feed from hornbeam is the Nut-Tree Tussock.
There are small Rowan trees dotted throughout the woods. Sometimes known as Mountain Ash.
Silver Birch are fast growing and relatively short-lived. There are specific fungi and caterpillars that feed from them. The open canopy of leaves means bluebells and other flowers may be found underneath.
Holly grows very successfully across Lion Wood. Some of the shrubs are likely to be from cultivated types rather than pure native holly. You may notice that on the taller and older shrubs the leaves are smooth – it is the younger leaves that tend to be prickly.
Although sycamore is sometimes regarded as non-native, it was probably introduced by the Romans or in the 1500s, and the trees can live for 400 years. There are some large specimens in Lion Wood and the ‘helicopter’ seeds or samara, mean it spreads prolifically, sometimes to the detriment of native species.
There are some splendid Scots Pine dotted around the wood. These possibly date from it being a garden for Mousehold House.
Several non-native species are present in the woods and cause problems for native plants and wildlife. The convervation volunteers regularly do battle against these alien invaders.
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Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSBP)
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