Did you know that Fox Hill is host to a large section of Ancient and Semi Natural Woodlands (ASNW)?

ASNW is defined as areas that have been continuously wooded since 1600 (or 1750 in. Scotland). Ancient woods have been used by humans for centuries, providing timber and grazing for livestock.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) provide a website that you can locate areas of ASNW, as seen here:

Additionally you can look for clues as various features can help identify that a site has been wooded for a considerable length of time.

Some plant species are a good indication of ANSW and have been listed as ‘ancient woodland indicator plants’. The cumulative number is important – the more species you can find, the stronger the evidence. These include plants such as:

• Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis)
• Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
• Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
• Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia)

Ancient woodland indicators should be considered alongside other evidence, and other groups of species can also help indicate a continuity of woodland conditions. These include groups of invertebrates, such as insects associated with decaying wood and terrestrial molluscs, and lichens.

Remnant manmade features give clues about a wood’s cultural history. Some can suggest a wood is ancient, such as medieval wood banks, large coppice stools and old pollarded trees.

Many thanks to Keith Boseley local fungi and woodland expert for leading the fascinating nature walk yesterday. The exploration of fungi unveils a fascinating new dimension to appreciate in our woodland.

Fungi are vital to ecosystems for several reasons. They decompose dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, which is essential for plant growth. Many fungi form mutualistic relationships with plants, known as mycorrhizae, helping them absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. In this way a tree may have up to 15 different fungi species as partners whilst one fungi species may have 4 or more tree partners.

Fungi is the backbone of the “wood-wide web” interconnecting trees within a wooded area and beyond.
The largest organism on Earth is the Humongous Fungus, a honey fungus (Armillaria ostoyae) that covers nearly four square miles in eastern Oregon’s Malheur National Forest, estimated to weigh more than 7.5 tonnes and around 3000 years old!

Here are some of the species we encountered yesterday, including the surprising Blue Elf Cups…

Earthball, Turkey Tail, Razor Strop Fungus, Trooping Funnel, False Deathcap (Cross section), Mycelium beneath bark (Possible Honey Fungus), Emerald Elf Cups.

Additionally, fungi contribute to the formation and maintenance of healthy soil structures. They also serve as a food source for various organisms, including insects and mammals, and some fungi help control plant diseases by outcompeting or inhibiting harmful pathogens. Their presence and activities help maintain the balance and health of ecosystems. 

One thing we learnt from Keith is that fungi are not just present in dying or diseased trees but even exist in healthy tree saplings. Whilst the tree remains healthy the fungus lives passively within the structure of the tree, waiting for its opportunity to spread as soon as the tree becomes damaged or other viruses such as ash dieback take hold.  

Keith also gave us some tips when identifying fungi: to avoid picking a fungi, carry a small mirror so you can see underneath the cap – whether it has gills or not and whether there is a ring around the stem.  

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