UK ECOSYSTEM - EPPING FOREST, ESSEX

• This is a typical English lowland deciduous woodland. 70% of the area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) for its biological interest, with 66 % designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
• Components & Interrelationships

  spring: Flowering plants (producers) such as bluebells store nutrients to be eaten by consumers later.

  summer: Broad tree leaves grow quickly to maximise photosynthesis.

  autumn: Trees shed leaves to conserve energy due to sunlight hours decreasing.

  winter: Bacteria decompose the leaf litter, releasing the nutrients into the soil.
• management

  • Currently now used for recreation and conservation.
  • Visitors pick fruit and berries, helping to disperse seeds.
  • Trees cut down to encourage new growth for timber.