Gorse Scrub – W23

Ulex europaeus scrub

Region 

Widespread.  Absent from high moorlands.

Character 

Continuous or open scrub.

Geology

Absent only from peat.

Soils

Free draining, mesotrophic & oligotrophic.

Species

Usually dominated by Gorse, occasionally with Broom and Bramble 

Ground fFora and Fauna

The herb layer is often non-existent under the dense shade of the scrub.

Structure

Gorse dominated low canopy 2 – 3m either continuous or in a mosaic with grassland.

Management Principles

• Intervention rarely required unless encroaching on other valued habitat.

Planting Sites for New Woods 

Infertile sites – mineral wastes.  In most cases there will be alternatives with greater nature conservation or landscape value. Management can be a problem, particularly fire hazard & encroachment of other habitats.

Design Principles

Single species stands of Gorse or Gorse and Broom.