Some effects of afforestation on the flora and fauna of an upland sheepwalk during 12 years after planting.

Published online
16 Dec 1989
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.2307/2403669

Author(s)
Sykes, J. M. & Lowe, V. P. W. & Briggs, D. R.

Publication language
English
Location
UK

Abstract

On an area of 139 ha in Cumbria, UK, planted in 1972 with Picea sitchensis, Tsuga heterophylla, Larix leptolepis, L. × eurolepis and some exotic shrubs, the number of vascular plant species recorded in systematically placed quadrats changed little in the first 9 yr: 27 species disappeared, 83 species remained, 29 species appeared. Number of species per quadrat decreased significantly after 9 yr in P. sitchensis and T. heterophylla plantations. Numbers of species of birds and mammals feeding and breeding increased from 1972 to 1984, but the species composition had changed.

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