Yew Woodland – W13

Taxus baccata woodland

Region 

East Durham Plateau.

Character 

Yew dominated stands in coastal dene Ash woodlands.

Geology 

Magnesian Limestone.

Soils 

Thin soils over limestone outcrops.

Species 

Yew dominated: species poor. Very occasional Elder, Hawthorn or Ash.

Ground Flora and Fauna 

Very sparse. Occasional Dog’s Mercury, Stinging Nettle, Ivy, Bramble.

Structure 

Closed dense canopy of Yew to 10m. No understorey.

Management Principles

• Timber production isn’t practical or desirable. Low intervention approaches are best.
• Exclude livestock.
• Maintain and increase the numbers of old trees and dead wood.
• Use low-key establishment techniques – particularly natural regeneration.
• When planting is necessary use plant material of local origins.

Planting Sites for New Woods

Stands within new ash woodlands on limestone outcrops. Coastal denes. Magnesian Limestone quarries

Design Principles 

Stands of pure Yew.

Further Information 

Forestry Commission Forestry Practice Guide 3: Lowland Mixed Broadleaved Woods can be downloaded from Forestry Commissions Publications pages.