Wye Valley Coursework Essay Example

for other trees and improving ground cover growth by removing branches that provide shade, thereby exposing them more to sunlight.

To enhance deciduous wood, thinning is recommended in order to reduce the number of branches and allow more sunlight to reach the ground cover and other trees, stimulating their growth. Another important measure is controlling the growth of Bracken, a plant commonly found in woodlands like Russel's Inclosure, particularly during the growing season in late spring.

Controlling the growth of Bracken allows for the growth of a greater variety of plants, which enhances the visual appeal and visitors' experience. Additionally, limiting Deer and Squirrel damage to trees prevents a shortage of trees in the woodland. Effective estate management should address these issues.

Keeping litter bins empty is important as it can be harmful for animals to eat litter and it also enhances the appearance of the woodland by preventing the attraction of pests. Additionally, maintaining barriers to prevent illegal access helps prevent damage to the woodland and disturbance of wildlife.

Implementing measures to reduce fire risk, such as dividing wood into numbered sections, can assist firefighters in locating the origin of a fire and preventing it from spreading by quickly extinguishing the identified area. Additionally, maintaining clean car parks can create a positive first impression on visitors and ensure clear guidance for parking through the use of signs.

Recreational Management Reasons:

• One reason to manage recreational areas is to maintain paths and cycle tracks. Creating designated walk and cycle paths will prevent damage to plants by directing visitors away from sensitive areas. Additionally, these paths lead visitors through
  

safe areas and reduce the risk of getting lost in the recreational area, improving safety overall.

Controlling the access of horses and cycles during peak hours can help ensure visitor safety. Maintaining sign posts, information boards, and leaflets is important for promoting the wood. The sign posts and information boards provide guidance for visitors to navigate the wood and prevent them from getting lost, while the leaflets promote and attract future visitors. Additionally, the proper placement of signs can ensure that tourists stay in designated areas to preserve the ecosystem.

One way to develop a visually appealing environment for visitors is to incorporate various species of native trees. This will attract a diverse range of wildlife, resulting in an environment that visitors enjoy seeing in forests. Additionally, community and educational management are crucial factors to consider. Firstly, by encouraging locals to participate in wood management, funds can be allocated towards improving the wood for wildlife and visitors rather than paying employees. Secondly, educating people about the woodland and its contents can reduce damage caused by visitors who are unaware of the impact they have on the ecosystem.

In order to improve the management of the ecosystem, it is important to develop links with volunteer groups. This will result in a larger number of individuals taking ownership of the wood, thus minimizing damage caused to the wood

and its ecosystem. Furthermore, developing educational links will enhance individuals’ knowledge of the woodland and its ecosystem, enabling them to prevent damage from occurring. Section Two compares and explains the differences between deciduous and coniferous woodland in Russel's Inclosure.

My predictions:
I expect that the coniferous forest will have greater light availability because smaller leaves block less sunlight, which allows more light to reach the groundcover. Conversely, deciduous trees have broader leaves that absorb more light than coniferous leaves, leading to less light penetrating the ground cover in deciduous forests. Additionally, due to their leaf shape, coniferous trees allow more sunlight to penetrate to the groundcover and therefore are expected to be warmer than deciduous forests.

The temperature of coniferous wood is higher as a result of heat shining on the ground cover and rising from the ground. This increase in temperature is due to the warming effect caused by the rising heat. On the other hand, deciduous wood has a lower temperature since its larger leaf shape blocks more light, reducing heat in that area. Consequently, it is expected that deciduous wood will have more moisture compared to coniferous wood.

Soil moisture levels are linked to deciduous wood's moisture content, which increases when it rains and water is absorbed into the ground. Deciduous wood has higher moisture levels compared to coniferous wood due to its leaf shape resulting in slower evaporation of moisture, as well as less exposure to light. Coniferous wood is expected to have a greater acidity level from acidic leaves and litter, as well as acid rain increasing the acidity of rainwater. Acid rain's pH levels can significantly affect both woods' soils, but coniferous

wood's already-acidic soil experiences a more significant impact.

Russell's Inclosure wood utilized various techniques for data collection. To measure ground cover, a 12-meter transect was conducted on the forest floor and a 50cm x 50cm quadrat was positioned at specific intervals (0m, 4m, 8m, and 12m) to record coverage percentage. Temperature readings were captured in Celsius units using a thermometer while light intensity was assessed through a light meter as a percentage. Soil moisture levels were determined by taking measurements from a soil moisture meter that ranges from dryness (1) to wetness (10).

Testing the pH of soil involved using Universal Indicator, Barium Sulphate, and distilled water. A small amount of soil was combined with these ingredients in a test tube, shaken, and observed for color matching on the pH scale. Although this method has room for error, more specialized equipment would have yielded more accurate results. Measuring the height of a tree required measuring 150cm from ground level and noting its circumference in centimeters. Our twelve-meter transect through an old coniferous wood showed that every quadrat contained Moss.

The results that I obtained were unexpected. The percentage of Moss growth decreased from 95% at a distance of 4 metres to 30% at a distance of 12 metres. Moss needs low temperature and light intensity, along with high moisture content to grow properly. However, in my findings, the temperature was high at 13.1oC and so was the light intensity at 80%. But, the moisture content was only 5 out of 10. It is possible that our readings were taken during late spring when the weather was becoming warmer and drier.

The growth and production of Moss has

slowed down due to unsuitable weather conditions. A significant amount of twigs were found in each quadrat of the transect, with the highest occurrence being 60% at both 0 meters and 8 meters, and decreasing to 25% at 4 meters. This is expected as twigs are commonly found on the ground or near trees in wooded areas. The thinning of trees may be one reason for twig accumulation on the ground, as well as the cold and dry climate slowing down their decomposition by bacteria. Animals may also be a contributing factor, breaking twigs to construct shelters.

Leaf litter and needles from coniferous trees were observed in each quadrat. The percentage of leaf litter ranged from 50% at 8 metres to 30% at 0 and 12 metres due to the trees shedding leaves throughout the year and slower decomposition in lower temperatures, which reduces bacterial activity to an effective level of 25°C. The presence of needles varied from 2% at 4m and 12m to 1% at 0m in all quadrats except for the 8m one.

Despite my expectation of a larger amount of needles in the ground cover due to the continuous shedding of coniferous trees' leaf-like needles throughout the year, the only presence of leaves was found within a 12m quadrat, with a 5% ground cover. These leaves may have originated from the surrounding vegetation and trees in the previous coniferous forest.

Various factors such as wind and animals could result in the dispersion of these leaves. The leaves in question were able to resist decomposition efficiently because of the low temperature at 13.1oC. In addition to this, the area also contained 3% of bluebells within a

12-meter square. Bluebells are plants that grow from bulbs and are commonly found in wooded areas. They prefer to grow in partial shade with fertile soil.

This is the reason why Bluebells are found in coniferous forests, as the soil is thriving and there is partial shade, despite 80% light. Leaf litter was present in every quadrat of the transect through the new forest, with levels ranging from 95% at 4m and 12m to 85% at 8m. It was expected due to the surrounding plants and trees shedding their leaves and forming leaf litter, which is abundant due to the low temperature inhibiting bacteria. Additionally, twigs were also found in each quadrat.

The percentage of twigs in the new coniferous wood varied from 20% at 8m to 2% at 0m, but their presence is justified by the same reason they were available in the old coniferous wood. Additionally, all four quadrats contained moss, with its percentage ranging from 15% at 0m and 8m to 2% at 12m.

The reduced moisture level in the new coniferous wood led to a decrease in Moss growth in comparison to the old coniferous wood. At 0m, Bracken covered 7%, indicating that it typically thrives in woods and dies off during autumn. As late spring is a growing season, it was observed that Bracken was actively growing at the time of observation. Additionally, Fern Cones were found at 0m, 4m, and 12m, with a range of 5% to 1% from 4m to 0m, respectively.

Within the 8m quadrat, covering 15%, there was the unexpected presence of grass. Despite the lack of management and appropriate temperature for growth, it was present. Additionally, Ivy,

covering 2%, was observed in the same area. It is possible that this Ivy fell from the surrounding trees and poses a threat to their health as it can wrap around and cause damage. Leaf litter was widespread throughout all quadrats in the transect within the old deciduous wood. It ranged from 40% at 4m to 5% at 0m.

The availability of the aforementioned feature in the old deciduous wood is equivalent to its presence in the Coniferous wood. Twigs were found in all quadrats, with a range of 40% at 8m to 2% at 4m, situated in the deciduous wood for the same reason as that of the old coniferous wood. Moreover, grass is present in all four quadrats with a distribution of 80% at 4m to 20% at 12m.

The presence of grass in the deciduous wood is due to the perfect soil conditions with a temperature of 12.2oC, low moisture levels of 2, and high light percentage of 90%. Bluebells are present in all quadrats except for 12m, with their percentage ranging from 4% at 4m to 2% at 0m and 8m.

Soil is found in all quadrats except for 4m, and ranges from 60% at 0m to 2% at 8m. This is due to the ground being covered by soil, but there is less coverage due to the presence of old deciduous wood. Bracken is also present in the 8m and 12m quadrats.

At 12m, bramble had a presence of 25% which decreased to 10% at 8m. The same reason for its presence in coniferous wood applies to deciduous wood. Bramble was observed in quadrats 8m and 12m, ranging from 10% to

7% respectively. It is well-suited for growth in a deciduous wood environment.

Within the 0m quadrat, moss is found covering 1% of the area, which can be attributed to its ability to thrive in damp environments. Additionally, rocks make up 2% of the same quadrat and could have been brought in by human activity or naturally occurring from footpaths and hills.

By walking, Hazel observed a 4m quadrat that covered 7% and contained hazel, which is known to come from Oakwood's. The slow decomposition of hazel is attributed to the low temperature.

During the survey, three quadrats were examined. In the 4m quadrat, there was a ground cover of 10% for Oak which may be due to slow bacteria decomposition or thinning of Oak trees. Acorn had a lower than expected ground cover of 17% in the 8m-quadrat despite having high numbers of Oak trees that usually produce the fruit. Lastly, Whitebells were observed with only a ground cover of 3% in the 12m quadrat and are known for growing in habitats with deciduous woodland.

In the new deciduous wood, all four quadrats of the transect contained leaf litter and bluebells. The percentage of leaf litter varied across distances, with 80% at a distance of 0m and 5% at distances of 4m and 8m. Bluebells had varying percentages as well, ranging from 30% at a distance of 12m to 5% at a distance of 0m. Both species can be found in the new deciduous wood for the same reason they were present in the old deciduous wood. Bracken was present in all quadrats except those located at distances of 4m and 12m.

Bracken and Bramble are present in the old

deciduous wood due to their prevalence. At a height of 4m, Bramble covered 7% with a range of 10% at 0m to 7% at 8m. Bluebell leaves were found in all four quadrats and ranged between 95% and 20%. The highest percentage was observed at distances of 4m, 8m, and 12m.

The decomposition process of Bluebell leaves in the woods is influenced by temperature and bacteria, resulting in a slow breakdown. However, the presence of young deciduous trees generates enough light for photosynthesis, which extends the lifespan of the leaves. Strikingly, studies demonstrate that old deciduous wood has 90% light exposure compared to only 80% in old coniferous wood. This contradicts the initial assumption that coniferous wood would have more light.

The diminished light levels in coniferous forests can be attributed to several factors. These include the dense clustering of trees, which impedes the passage of light to ground level, and the selective pruning of deciduous trees that results in fewer branches obstructing sunlight. Furthermore, deciduous trees are spaced farther apart than conifers, enabling more unimpeded light to filter through.

My previous prediction about the temperature difference between the two forests has been confirmed by observation. The coniferous forest had an average temperature of 13oC, whereas the deciduous forest had an average temperature of 13.05oC.

The reason behind the warmth of coniferous wood may be its sparse leaves, which enable heat to reach the ground and rise up, warming the wood. This is unlike deciduous trees with denser leaves that hinder sunlight and restrict heat conversion. Moreover, coniferous trees are thin and obstruct less sunlight compared to deciduous ones. As anticipated, the soil pH in coniferous wood (mean

4) was lower than in deciduous wood (mean 6).

Coniferous forests have a naturally low pH soil due to the acidic content of their leaves. This is further compounded by the slim shape of conifers, which allows for more acidic rainfall to reach the forest floor than in deciduous woodlands. The varying ecosystems of these two types of woodland may also be influenced by management practices, as older trees require more resources and can block out more sunlight, leading to increased vegetation growth.

With the maturation of trees, a larger amount of leaves are produced, resulting in increased leaf debris. This detritus is decomposed by bacteria and serves as nourishment for both the trees and other vegetation. Due to the acidic properties of coniferous foliage, soil in coniferous forests typically has elevated levels of acidity.

According to the text, soil acidity can decrease ground coverage by causing plants to absorb acid and die in acidic environments. Research indicates that both old and new coniferous woods have low pH levels of 5 and 4 respectively, while old deciduous wood has a higher pH level of 5. New deciduous wood has a neutral pH level of 7, which is explained in the preceding statement.