Читать книгу Collins Complete Guide to British Trees: A Photographic Guide to every common species - Paul Sterry - Страница 24

Ash is a widespread tree in Britain, often growing alongside oaks and other deciduous species. However, in some circumstances it comes to dominate certain woodlands. It thrives if soil conditions suit it – it favours basic soils, and can tolerate occasionally waterlogged conditions, but will also grow on limestone pavements.

In lowland Britain in particular, Ash has often been deliberately encouraged and managed as a source of excellent timber. Traditionally, it was coppiced regularly to produce tall, straight poles and in some woods huge stools have developed that are hundreds of years old. Hazel coppice is often grown as an understorey beneath its larger cousin.

Ancient stools of Ash produce a succession of tall, straight poles if coppiced periodically and managed correctly.

Woodland flowers are very much a feature of traditionally managed Ash woods. Bluebell, Lesser Celandine, Dog’s Mercury and Wood Anemone are often common, with star attractions being Herb-Paris, Goldilocks Buttercup and Early-purple Orchid.

Upland limestone pavement is perhaps a surprising place to find Ash, given its tolerance of, and seeming predilection for, damp ground in other locations. Nevertheless, thrive it does, often accompanied by Bird Cherry and Rowan.