Twelve Oaks
Tree Report and Ecological Survey
The plot surveyed is bounded on three sides by differing habitats, to the north young coniferous forestry mainly Picea sitchensis, to the east is open Molina moorland very low and wet whilst to the south and west the plot is part of an adjoining oak woodland coming to maturity. As a result the coniferous area to the north will increase in height affecting the plot by more shelter, more shade, loss of air movement.
The area to the east is not fit for development unless drained, being generally too wet and cannot see this habitat changing in the foreseeable future, whilst the oak woodland now starting into its mature climax phase will stay very much the same unless altered by human intervention. In effect this means that the existing plant community will be stable for many years to come and if any thing happens the area is likely to slowly degrade as far as plant species on the ground are concerned unless some form of cultivation takes place such as thinning but the wood will always be a haven for animal life.
The trees themselves are mainly in good condition, no.1 has a poor base at root level but needs no treatment other than a three yearly dose of fertiliser to enable it to catch up, it will not fall or die in the foreseeable future, no.4 is dead and can be felled or left to rot for funghi, beetle species, woodpeckers etc. to use, no.7 is covered in ivy and it is recommended that some of this top hamper of ivy be removed to enable the tree to get more light whilst retaining the habitat in the ivy for other wildlife.
Some oaks have dead branches which could be removed or left bearing in mind the danger of a falling branch to persons or plants beneath, these dead branches are not necessarily a sign of poor health rather a lack of light and only when dead branches begin to show in the top canopy do you need to think about the health of the tree in question.
Good regeneration has taken place since the boundary fence has been erected including a number of Oak (2 species), Birch, Hazel, Holly, Willow (2 species) and Alder some of which will need thinning in the future to ensure nice specimens are produced rather than leggy ones.
The under story and ground cover is limited by the age of the trees above and the canopy spread, recommendations would be to remove odd branches to let move light in or thin some Birch on the boundary to achieve the same effect or remove the Ash tree in total or reduce the top third as discussed bearing in mind it will grow back again, however, it is neither in poor health or rude but would benefit from attention.
Monocots found on site
- Festuca rubra - Red fescue
- Deschampsia caespitose - Tussock grass
- Molinia caerulea - Purple moor grass
- Juncus effuses - Soft rush
- Luzula sylvatica - Greater woodrush
- Agrostis gigantean & Common bent
- Holcus lanatus - Yorkshire fog
- Iris pseudocorus - Yellow flag
Dicots found on site
- Digitalis purpurea - Foxglove
- Myrica gale - Bog myrtle
- Primula vulgaris - Primrose
- Hyacynthus non scriptus - Bluebell
- Rubus idaeus - Raspberry
- Rubus fruticosa - Bramble
- Conopodium majus - Pignut
- Galium saxatile - Heath bedstraw
Ferns and Mosses found on site
- Blechnum spicant - Hard fern
- Polypodium vulgare - Common polypody
- Athyrium felix - femina - Lady fern
- Dryopteris felix - mas - Male fern
- Pteridium aquilinum - Bracken
- Asplenium trichomanes - Maidenhair spleenwort
- Thuidium tamarisinum -
The area below the front of the house where it is naturally damp lends itself to a bit of ornamental planting that would blend in with the woodland and look natural, in addition to the plants already there Dogwood, Gunnera etc. it would be nice to see Candelabra Primulas, Hostas Lysimachia and Lysichiton, all of which would enhance the garden and help to take up some of the moisture out of the ground.
The piles of rotting logs, the bird boxes and all the other things you have put into the garden will all help to enhance local wildlife. If you have a mind to do more then the site of the old caravan would be an ideal place for plant species native to Mull and especially Lochdon, this would encourage butterflies and moths. As the soil is very poor the following list, whilst not being exhaustive, would go a long way to attracting these insects onto your site.
Suggested plants to attract butterfly and moth species
- Lotus corniculatus - Birds foot trefoil
- Rumex acetosa - Common sorrel
- Thymus serpyllum - Commn thyme
- Vaccineum vitis idaea - Cowberry
- Antennaria dioica - Mountain everlasting
- Polygala vulgaris - Milkwort
- Hypochaeris radicata - Catsear
- Lathyrus pratensis - Meadow vetchling
- Centaurea nigra - Knapweed
- Succisia pratensis - Devils bit scabies
- Trifolium repens - Clover
- Viola odorata - Violet
- Myrica gale - Bog myrtle
- Pedicularis palustris - Lousewort
- Lychnis flos-cuculi - Ragged robin
- Eriophorum vaginatum - Cotton grass
- Silene maritimum - Sea campion
In the case of your site, less is more certainly applies as the site is at a high point in its evolution and the less you do the more it is liable to meet your criteria of being a stable habitat for local flora and fauna. Would suggest re-doing this survey in three years or so to monitor how the plot is progressing toward meeting your requirements.
Prepared by Mike Swift, Oatfield Organics, Isle of Mull. Telephone 01680 812323
