epping forest case study

• • epping forest is a temperate deciduous forest
  • north east of essex
  • SSSI (site of special interest)
  • special area of conservation
  • 70% is deciduous
• | biotic features of epping

  • woodland w/ oak & silver birch trees
  • grassland areas
  • heathland
• | abiotic features of epping

  • thin soil
  • elevated land
  • 100+ ponds & lakes
  • bogs
  • temperate climate
• | how is epping used as a resource?

  • recreational purposes for when enjoyment not working
  • fishing permitted on 24 lakes
  • mountain biking + clubs
  • cricket games
  • gold
  • conservation centre where people can learn about the local wildlife
  • 3 visitors centre
  • pubs
  • 60 football pitches
  • footpaths for walking
• | what threats does epping face?

  • attracts large amount of mountain bikers which are permitted except around ecologically sensitive areas
  • despite this, some still damage these areas_ conservators of epping have expressed their concern about this
• | what threats does epping face?

  • pollarded trees cause some problems- some aren't pollarded so they have thick branches which makes it look weird; weight of branches cant be supported by parent tree which then dies
  • large amount of dead wood supports rare species of fungi
• | how is epping sustainably managed?

  • recreation is controlled: car parks, visitor centres, waste bins & leaflets on how to treat the forest
  • ensures forest will be left in the same way for future generations to enjoy
• | how is epping sustainably managed?

  • vegetation at the side of the roads have been cut so deer are aware of traffic & to give drivers a chance of avoiding collisions
  • protect the deer bc there are many deaths from road traffic accidents; ensures DEER POPULATION WILL BE PRESERVED
• | how is epping sustainably managed?

  • pollarding: trees cut to shoulder height to ensure that they regrow
  • ensures there will be timber for future generations
  • also encourages birds to nest
• | how is epping sustainably managed?

  • CATTLE GRAZING reintroduced to a small area of the forest, this promotes the rejuvenation of some flora
• | how is epping sustainably managed?

  • the epping forest conservation volunteer manage the forest by cleaning & maintaining footpaths
• | how is epping sustainably managed?

  • dead wood is left to rot; rotten wood is food for FUNGI & encourages wildlife
  • some grassy areas are left uncut to encourage wildlife like butterflies
• | how is epping sustainably managed?

  • the recreational areas for biking & horse riding are marked out
  • reduces the damage to other areas of the forsest
• temperate forests:

  • 4 to 17 celsuis
  • 1000m rain annually
  • lose leaves in winter to REDUCE TRANSPIRATION
  • vegetation in 4 layers (canopy, sub-canopy, herb & ground)
  • oaks are common
  • animals like rabbits & deers