Construction of a Woodland Habitat
It is possible to have a Woodland habitat in even the smallest of areas. Most of the deciduous woodlands in Britain are not dark, dense places, but a series of open glades, copses or woodland edges. Here, because light is allowed down to ground level, a wide range of flora and fauna are able to exist. This is especially so in the spring before the leaf canopy grows and reduces the light on the floor of the wood. Native trees should attract beetles, wood wasps, slugs and spiders which will in turn, attract hedgehogs, wood mice, wrens and blackbirds (ground feeders).
Ideally, a woodland would consist of one or two dominant trees, under-planted with smaller trees. Below this, there would be a shrub layer, beneath which, the woodland floor would be carpeted with a number of spring flowering plants and be home to mosses, lichens and fungi.
Preparation
The end or the edges of a wildlife area are the most suitable sites for the woodland. Orientation of the area is not too important, but a site which is sheltered from the prevailing wind, may be of help in the first few years of the life of the wood.
Choose native trees; they will support a greater range of insects and associated wildlife.
It is worth thinking about which trees and shrubs will best fit your site according to final size and mixture of species which you might like. Then make a planting plan before ordering.
Materials
A selection of young trees and shrubs, 1-2m. (3-6ft.) in height. Look for a strong, central, upward-growing shoot and a healthy root system. Central tips should not have been pinched out. Buy from a specialist nursery.
Stout wooden stakes and a mallet.
Rubber tree-ties.
Some protective sleeves should you be troubled by rodents.
A length of wood for leveling tree planting.
Construction
1. Clear the chosen area of any rubbish, debris and unwanted plants.
2. Generally, trees and shrubs should be planted 2-3m. (6-10ft.) apart. Place the saplings in their positions according to the planting plan.
3. For each sapling, dig a hole about 1m. (3ft.) across and deep enough for it to be planted at its previous depth. For container-grown specimens, this is the depth of the pot; for bare-root trees, this is the depth up to the soil mark on the stem.
4. The soil in the bottom of the hole should be loosened with a fork and some garden compost added.
5. If the saplings are to be staked, then a stout wooden stake should be put into position at this stage. Hammer the stake into the centre of the hole to a depth where its top reaches just below the start of the branches.
6. Position the tree in the hole close to the stake. Place a length of wood across the hole. Ensure that the old soil mark on the stem of the sapling is level with the wood.
7. Fill the hole with loose soil, shaking the sapling occasionally to settle the soil between the roots.
8. Tread the soil down firmly whilst adding more, until the hole is full and level with the surrounding ground.
9. Use the rubber tree-ties to secure the tree to the stake. These should be positioned at about 10cm. (4in.) below the bottom side branches.
10. The planting of shrubs is very similar.
11. Leaf mould will eventually build up on the woodland floor over the years. Spread a layer of leaf mould around the saplings in their first year to enrich the soil and keep the weeds from growing.
12. After the trees and shrubs have established themselves (1 to 2 years), the planting of woodland flowers can take place.
Large Trees
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Elm (Ulmus procera)
English Oak (Quercus robur)
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata)
White Willow (Salix alba)
Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
Small/Medium Trees
Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
Aspen (Populus tremula)
Field Maple (Acer campestre)
Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)
Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Shrubs
Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)
Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
Hawthorn (Cretaegus monogyna)
Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)
Woodland Flowers
Common Dog Violet (Viola riviniana)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria)
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus)
Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa)
Wood Crane's-bill (Geranium sylvaticum)
Wood Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica)
