Hawthorn Scrub – W21

Crataegus monogyna – Hedera helix scrub

Region 

Widespread

Character 

Diverse

Geology 

Absent only from peat.

Soils 

Most neutral or base-rich soils.

Species 

Hawthorn  is dominant, often accompanied by Blackthorn, Elder, Rose & Bramble species, Honeysuckle with Rowan, Ash or Hazel as trees. On the Magnesian Limestone species such as Privet & Dogwood may occur, and a wider range of roses (R. pimpinellifolia, R. mollis, R. coriifolia, R. afzeliana). Blackthorn may replace hawthorn as the dominant shrub on the coast being more tolerant of salt spray.

Ground Flora and Fauna

Ivy and Bramble

Structure 

Extremely variable from scattered shrubs to dense continuous cover.

Management Principles

• Intervention rarely required unless encroaching on other valued habitat.
• Maintain or create areas of open space.

Planting Sites for New woods 

Woodland margins, road verges, coastal and escarpment sites.

Design Principles 

Grassland/scrub mosaics. Design to promote diversity of structure and a high proportion of open space. Planting mixtures dominated by shrub species common in the locality (Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Dog Rose etc.) with occasional trees (Ash, Rowan).  Less common species could be allowed to colonise naturally.