Condition of SSSI Units for Site The Hudnalls SSSI

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Report generated on: 25 Apr 2018


Main Habitat	Responsible Officer	Unit Number	Unit Id	Area (ha)	NNR Overlap Area (ha)	Latest Assessment Date	Assessment Description	Comment	Adverse Condition Reasons
The Hudnalls SSSI - GLOUCESTERSHIRE (FOREST OF DEAN)
BROADLEAVED, MIXED AND YEW WOODLAND - Lowland	KATEY STEPHEN	001	1013452	29.4026	29.40	25/03/2015	Favourable	Units 1, 5-8 assessed together - Plenty of mature trees, some large gaps, canopy cover 92%, NNR managed as minimum intervention so small % above target/acceptable as regen in gaps. Shrub cover layer variable. 3 age classes throughout. Dead wood - primarily fallen (good amounts). Veteran trees scattered Beech/Small-leaved Lime. Canopy primarily Beech/Small-leaved Lime/Oak, scattered Ash/Birch/Wild Cherry. Ground flora variable - Bluebells dominate, Dog’s Mercury, Hard Fern, Soft Shield Fern. Bracken scattered, Wild Garlic occ . Elsewhere ground flora sparse, dense leaf litter, sometimes boulder scree. Species seen Sanicle/Yellow Archangel/Great Wood-rush/Wood-sedge/Lesser Celandine. Typical shrub species: Holly freq/locally abundant, Yew occ, Wych Elm occ, Hazel freq, deer browsing occ low levels. Problems - small amounts Cherry laurel, Rhododendron , young sycamore scattered, Sweet Chestnut, Himalayan Balsam. Few gaps, regen in gaps ok but not dense, may be as many gaps are newly created. No die-back.
BROADLEAVED, MIXED AND YEW WOODLAND - Lowland	KATEY STEPHEN	002	1013453	39.1871	0.00	25/03/2015	Favourable	This unit is part of the Wye Valley Woodlands SAC, the main vegetation type is W10 oak/W14 beech woodland. The woodland has high canopy cover ranging from 65% to 95%, more often at the higher end of this range (average 86%), dominated by oak and beech, but ash, lime, birch, cherry and rowan also present. The understory varied in cover from 15 to 50% (average 26%) and included hazel, rowan, holly, elder wychelm and yew. Ground flora was consistent with NVC type including, bluebell, dogs mercury, yellow archangel and wood anemone. Open space was limited (average 9% and at 4 of the 11 stops was 0, the age structure was satisfactory, however, recruitment of saplings was low. Low to medium levels of deer browsing were noted and this together with the lack of open space may account for the low numbers of saplings. Though the amount of open space, and therefore sapling recruitment, is slightly below the 10% favourable threshold in these units, if the SSSI is taken as a whole these units should be considered favourable. Standing and fallen deadwood was present at all stops. The unit is considered to be favourable however, natural regeneration needs to be encouraged through creation of more open space and deer management. Sycamore was noted at 4 stops but not to a level indicating unfavourable condition, very small amounts of rhododendron and laurel were observed at stops 3 and 8 respectively. This unit has been assessed as favourable.
BROADLEAVED, MIXED AND YEW WOODLAND - Lowland	KATEY STEPHEN	003	1013454	18.7098	0.00	11/06/2014	Favourable	This ISA visit was made on 13th May 2014 by Joanne Hackman (Natural England) and Rob Bacon (Natural Resource Wales). The Hudnalls consists of a canopy of mature standards with some relict coppiced trees. Oak Quercus sp., Beech Fagus sylvatica and Silver birch Betula pendula are the dominant tree species. There are lesser amounts of Alder Alnus glutinosa, Ash Fraxinus excelsior, Lime Tilia sp and Cherry Prunus sp. The majority of this Unit is W10 woodland with some W7. The shrub layer includes Holly Ilex aquifolium, Willow Salix sp., and Hazel Corylus avellanus. There are small amounts of non native Sycamore and Rhododendron. A small amount of tree planting has taken place at stop 5. This consists of approximately two groups of c. 30 Oak trees planted within tree guards. The ground layer is species poor which is typical of a W10 community. Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus and Wood sorrel Oxalis acetosella are typical. In places Wood anemone Anemone nemoralis, Yellow archangel Galeobdolon luteum, Lesser celandine Ranunculus ficaria and Enchanters nightshade Circaea lutetiana can be found. Broad buckler fern Dryopteris dilatata, Hard fern Blechnum spicant and Hart’s tounge fern Asplenium scolopendrium plus Great wood rush Luzula sylvatica along tracks. At one stop (10) Herb Paris Paris quadrifolia was unusually extensive. A ponded area can be found at the northern edge of this Unit which has a rich aquatic flora including Watercress Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Brooklime Veronica beccabunga, Reed Phragmites communis, Sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus, Gipsywort Lycopus europaeus, Water-crowfoot Ranunculus sp. and supports newts. Unfortunately this area is also full of young seedlings of Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera which must have come in via the stream feeding the pond. The stream is a direct tributary of the River Wye c. 800m away. The balsam is also beginning to spread into the edge of the wood. Both standing and fallen deadwood is quite plentiful most of it coming from dead Oak limbs and Silver birch. There are no real veteran trees as yet. The deer browsing level is low and does not appear to be limiting regeneration. There were possible signs of wild boar rooting around the base of stone walls and signs of squirrel damage on some trees. This unit can be considered as favourable. Consider options for control of non-natives e.g. Sycamore, Rhododendron and Himalayan balsam through bringing in a contractor or volunteer work parties. Monitor any signs of squirrel or boar damage. Identify veteran trees of the future. Consider opportunities for creation of further open space.
BROADLEAVED, MIXED AND YEW WOODLAND - Lowland	KATEY STEPHEN	004	1023510	4.8686	0.00	25/03/2015	Favourable	The unit is part of the Wye Valley Woodlands SAC, the main vegetation type is W10 oak/W14 beech woodland. The woodland has high canopy cover ranging from 65% to 95%, more often at the higher end of this range (average 86%), dominated by oak and beech, but ash, lime, birch, cherry and rowan also present. The understory varied in cover from 15 to 50% (average 26%) and included hazel, rowan, holly, elder wychelm and yew. Ground flora was consistent with NVC type including, bluebell, dogs mercury, yellow archangel and wood anemone. Open space was limited (average 9% and at 4 of the 11 stops was 0, the age structure was satisfactory, however, recruitment of saplings was low. Low to medium levels of deer browsing were noted and this together with the lack of open space may account for the low numbers of saplings. Though the amount of open space, and therefore sapling recruitment, is slightly below the 10% favourable threshold in these units, if the SSSI is taken as a whole these units should be considered favourable. Standing and fallen deadwood was present at all stops. The unit is considered to be favourable however, natural regeneration needs to be encouraged through creation of more open space and deer management. Sycamore was noted at 4 stops but not to a level indicating unfavourable condition, very small amounts of rhododendron at laurel were observed at stops 3 and 8 respectively. This unit has been assessed as favourable.
BROADLEAVED, MIXED AND YEW WOODLAND - Lowland	KATEY STEPHEN	005	1023511	2.054	0.00	25/03/2015	Favourable	Units 1, 5-8 assessed together - Plenty of mature trees, some large gaps, canopy cover 92%, NNR managed as minimum intervention so small % above target/acceptable as regen in gaps. Shrub cover layer variable. 3 age classes throughout. Dead wood - primarily fallen (good amounts). Veteran trees scattered Beech/Small-leaved Lime. Canopy primarily Beech/Small-leaved Lime/Oak, scattered Ash/Birch/Wild Cherry. Ground flora variable - Bluebells dominate, Dog’s Mercury, Hard Fern, Soft Shield Fern. Bracken scattered, Wild Garlic occ . Elsewhere ground flora sparse, dense leaf litter, sometimes boulder scree. Species seen Sanicle/Yellow Archangel/Great Wood-rush/Wood-sedge/Lesser Celandine. Typical shrub species: Holly freq/locally abundant, Yew occ, Wych Elm occ, Hazel freq, deer browsing occ low levels. Problems - small amounts Cherry laurel, Rhododendron , young sycamore scattered, Sweet Chestnut, Himalayan Balsam. Few gaps, regen in gaps ok but not dense, may be as many gaps are newly created. No die-back.
BROADLEAVED, MIXED AND YEW WOODLAND - Lowland	KATEY STEPHEN	006	1023512	0.9613	0.00	25/03/2015	Favourable	Units 1, 5-8 assessed together - Plenty of mature trees, some large gaps, canopy cover 92%, NNR managed as minimum intervention so small % above target/acceptable as regen in gaps. Shrub cover layer variable. 3 age classes throughout. Dead wood - primarily fallen (good amounts). Veteran trees scattered Beech/Small-leaved Lime. Canopy primarily Beech/Small-leaved Lime/Oak, scattered Ash/Birch/Wild Cherry. Ground flora variable - Bluebells dominate, Dog’s Mercury, Hard Fern, Soft Shield Fern. Bracken scattered, Wild Garlic occ . Elsewhere ground flora sparse, dense leaf litter, sometimes boulder scree. Species seen Sanicle/Yellow Archangel/Great Wood-rush/Wood-sedge/Lesser Celandine. Typical shrub species: Holly freq/locally abundant, Yew occ, Wych Elm occ, Hazel freq, deer browsing occ low levels. Problems - small amounts Cherry laurel, Rhododendron , young sycamore scattered, Sweet Chestnut, Himalayan Balsam. Few gaps, regen in gaps ok but not dense, may be as many gaps are newly created. No die-back.
BROADLEAVED, MIXED AND YEW WOODLAND - Lowland	KATEY STEPHEN	007	1023513	1.1463	0.00	25/03/2015	Favourable	Units 1, 5-8 assessed together - Plenty of mature trees, some large gaps, canopy cover 92%, NNR managed as minimum intervention so small % above target/acceptable as regen in gaps. Shrub cover layer variable. 3 age classes throughout. Dead wood - primarily fallen (good amounts). Veteran trees scattered Beech/Small-leaved Lime. Canopy primarily Beech/Small-leaved Lime/Oak, scattered Ash/Birch/Wild Cherry. Ground flora variable - Bluebells dominate, Dog’s Mercury, Hard Fern, Soft Shield Fern. Bracken scattered, Wild Garlic occ . Elsewhere ground flora sparse, dense leaf litter, sometimes boulder scree. Species seen Sanicle/Yellow Archangel/Great Wood-rush/Wood-sedge/Lesser Celandine. Typical shrub species: Holly freq/locally abundant, Yew occ, Wych Elm occ, Hazel freq, deer browsing occ low levels. Problems - small amounts Cherry laurel, Rhododendron , young sycamore scattered, Sweet Chestnut, Himalayan Balsam. Few gaps, regen in gaps ok but not dense, may be as many gaps are newly created. No die-back.
BROADLEAVED, MIXED AND YEW WOODLAND - Lowland	KATEY STEPHEN	008	1023514	2.2092	0.00	25/03/2015	Favourable	Units 1, 5-8 assessed together - Plenty of mature trees, some large gaps, canopy cover 92%, NNR managed as minimum intervention so small % above target/acceptable as regen in gaps. Shrub cover layer variable. 3 age classes throughout. Dead wood - primarily fallen (good amounts). Veteran trees scattered Beech/Small-leaved Lime. Canopy primarily Beech/Small-leaved Lime/Oak, scattered Ash/Birch/Wild Cherry. Ground flora variable - Bluebells dominate, Dog’s Mercury, Hard Fern, Soft Shield Fern. Bracken scattered, Wild Garlic occ . Elsewhere ground flora sparse, dense leaf litter, sometimes boulder scree. Species seen Sanicle/Yellow Archangel/Great Wood-rush/Wood-sedge/Lesser Celandine. Typical shrub species: Holly freq/locally abundant, Yew occ, Wych Elm occ, Hazel freq, deer browsing occ low levels. Problems - small amounts Cherry laurel, Rhododendron , young sycamore scattered, Sweet Chestnut, Himalayan Balsam. Few gaps, regen in gaps ok but not dense, may be as many gaps are newly created. No die-back.