Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

  1. Understand Ecosystems
  2. Describe the threats to an ecosystem to include invasive species, land erosion and endangered species

Invasive species in UK Woodlands

Image / Description
/ Himalayan Balsam (or Impatiens glandulifera) is a not unattractive plant; it was introduced as a garden plant to the U.K sometime in the mid-nineteenth century. It is an annual plant and probably the tallest annual tallest annualin the country – growing to heights of six foot. The flowers are somewhat variable in colour from a striking pink / purple to almost white. The shape has been likened to a policeman’s helmet– hence it is sometimes known by that name. It flowers from June right through to October – which is quite late in the year; i.e. still producing seeds long after most other annuals. The black seeds form in capsules – which open explosively when mature, dispersing the seeds
/ The Asian or harlequin ladybird was used in commercial glasshouses / greenhouses to control aphids (greenfly / blackfly) – a single harlequin ladybird can eat up to 200 aphids a day. Unfortunately, some of the harlequin ladybirds escaped and their offspring have spread across Europe – endangering native species.
Recent research has shown that this invasive species has an impressive immune system – the body fluids of this animal contain a strong antibiotic compound (Harmonine) and also small proteins (peptides) that have anti-microbial properties.
/ Giant Hogweed, also known as wild rhubarb, giant cow parsnip or giant cow parsley is a dangerous plant. It was introduced as an ornamental plant in the C19th; it is however – phototoxic. If the sap gets on the skin then photodermatitis occurs – causing blistering of the skin and scarring, and minute amounts in the eyes can cause blindness.
Invasive non-native species can displace native species, altering the ecology of various habitats; they might be described as ‘botanical thugs’. One single hogweed plant is capable of producing 80,000 seeds. Once established the removal of these plants can be expensive and time consuming. The earlier an ‘outbreak’ or invasion by one of these plants is reported, the easier it is to deal with.
/ Fallow deer (Damadama) are a long-standing naturalised species and Sika deer (Cervusnippon), Muntjac deer (Muntiacusreevesi) and Chinese Water deer (Hydropotesinermis) were introduced in the last 150 years.
It is thought that deer are more abundant and widespread now than at any time in the past 1000 years. There is also evidence of increasing deer numbers in the expansion of their geographic range. Rapid increase in deer numbers in recent decades is a result of; Increased woodland cover, Milder winters leading to increased fecundity, Changes to agriculture such as increased area of winter crop, Escape from parks and farms, Greater connectivity between green space in urban areas
In the countryside, excessive deer densities cause over-grazing and excessive browsing and trampling. In ancient woodland this can lead to: Loss of characteristic woodland plant species such as the oxlip and bluebell, Declines in characteristic woodland bird species such as the nightingale due to loss of plant structural diversity and food supply, Declines in invertebrate abundance and diversity, Prevention of adequate tree regeneration and traditional coppicing management
/

Invasion history:Sciuruscarolinensis, Grey Squirrel

Origin
This species is native to the eastern part of North America, from Texas and Florida northwards to Saskatchewan andsouthwestern Quebec and is also called the eastern grey squirrel. There is also a western grey squirrelS. griseus, native to the western USA.
Out compete our native red squirrels
/ Although rather attractive, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a real thug as it spreads rapidly. In winter the plant dies back beneath ground but by early summer the bamboo-like stems shoot to over 2.1m (7ft), suppressing all other growth. Eradication requires steely determination as it is very hard to remove by hand or with chemicals. New legislation now covers its control
/ Few people who visit Britain's countryside whenRhododendron ponticumis in flower can comprehend the damage that has been caused to our native flora and fauna by this exotic Victorian introduction. The plant is responsible for the destruction of many native habitats and the abandonment of land throughout the British Isles. The reason for this is simple. Where conditions are suitable, Rhododendron will out compete most native plants. It will grow to many times the height of a person, allowing very little light to penetrate through its thick leaf canopy. This effectively eliminates other competing native plant species which are unable to grow due to insufficient light. This in turn leads to the consequent loss of the associated native animals.

Refs:

Land erosion and compaction

Example / Image
An audit of paths and access will need to be a carried out when first using a woodland for forest school practice. Animal paths are evident and are often used and developed by children. /
As the path is used repeatedly over the year by many human feet, the ground becomes compacted and a woodland path appears. This compacted ground, which is continually used prevents seed germination and so the path becomes more distinct. A forest school practitioner then needs to decide whether to completely rest that part of the woodland and use a different site – or sacrifice that part of woodland ground layer to path. /
Lining paths with logs and filling with bark chip is a method of making a route distinct, so protecting the rest of the woodland floor. /

Protect species

A full and comprehensive list of protected species can found at jncc.defra.gov.uk › Home › UK › UK Biodiversity Framework › UK BAP

image / name
/ West European Hedgehog
Erinaceuseuropaeus
/ Brown Hare
Lepus europaeus
/ Stag Beetle
/ Pine Marten
/ Harvest Mouse
Micromysminutus
/ Dormouse
Muscardinusavellanarius
Mustelaputorius / Polecat
/ Red Necked Phalarope
/ Natterjack Toad
Pipistrelluspygmaeus / Soprano Pipistrelle
/ Turtle Dove
/ Red Squirrel
Sciurus vulgaris

© Cambium Sustainable/Outdoor Schools

Level 3 Certificate in Leading Forest School (QCF 14 credits)