Which Animals and Plants are Found in an Oakwood?

Of all Britain’s trees one or other of our two native oaks would find suitable growing conditions in most of the country. Any ground left to mature might well become an oakwood.

The Oakwood

Common oak grows best in rich soil, sessile oak is more usual on less fertile ground. The common oak has long stalks to its acorns and more deeply lobed leaves. In addition to its natural success, oak trees have played an important part in Britain’s history. Oakwood has been used for centuries in building, furniture making, rural crafts and ship construction (The Woodland Trust). Oak trees are rich in wildlife because they are large and have been successful over a wide range of habitats.

Common Oak Tree

Generally the most common British tree. A single oak can live longer than 250 years, grow over 30 metres tall and provide homes for hundreds of insects. These insects are a source of food for birds and other predators. It can be forty years before the trees produces acorns (Trees for Life). These are a further food supply for the animals of the oakwood.

Plants and Animals Found in an Oakwood

• Badger

Our largest carnivorous animal. The badger is fairly common, but being nocturnal, rarely seen. Its underground home, called a sett, consists of long tunnels and chambers, which it cleans regularly by bringing in fresh grass. The badger prefers woodland close to fields where it searches for a varied diet that includes mice, earthworms, berries and fruit. Observation hint: Look for the mound of soil and old bedding near a large tunnel entrance.

• Jay

Jays are more likely to be heard than seen as you enter oakwoods. Their screeches warn other woodland creatures of approaching danger. They take eggs and young birds for food, but also eat insect pests. In the autumn jays, like squirrels, bury acorns for winter food. Forgotten acorns may germinate and grow into oak trees. Observation hint: Listen for the harsh cry and look for colourful pink-buff plumage.

• Stag Beetle

The male stag beetle’s large but harmless jaws make this insect Britain’s longest beetle (Royal Parks). It is common only in parts of the south east of England. The dull jet-black coloured adults feed on sap from oak twigs. The females lay eggs by burrowing into rotten tree stumps where larvae may remain for several years. Rotten wood is an important source of food for many woodland insects. Observation hint: Look for conspicuous antler-like jaws or mandibles.

• Bluebells

In spring the white juice-filled bulbs of the bluebell produce clumps of narrow leaves which cover the woodland floor. These grow to be over 30cm high. Masses of tall drooping purple-blue flowers appear from late April to early June. Bluebells have to flower early to make use of the food-producing sunlight before the leaves on the trees become too dense. Observation hint: Look for clusters of shiny leaves in early spring and later on distinctive bell-shaped flowers.

Woodlands and forests are vitally important to British nature and it is imperative that we each do all that we can to protect and support such valuable environments.

References:

Royal Parks. Information retrieved 3rd March 2011

Sterry, P (2008) Collins Complete Guide – British Trees: A photographic guide to every common species. Collins.

The Woodland Trust. Information retrieved 3rd March 2011.

Trees for Life. Information retrieved 3rd March 2011