Changes in the field-layer of Wytham Woods – assessment of the impacts of a range of environmental factors controlling change

摘要: Abstract Question: What are the impacts of factors controlling patterns change in woodland field-layer vegetation, through time? Location: Wytham Woods, Oxford, UK (51°41′ N, 1°19′ W). Methods: Species occurrence was monitored 163 permanent plots three times between 1973 and 2002 related to management compartment history. The dataset analysed using a combination ordination methods, univariate multivariate analysis variance HOF modelling. Results: two key findings this paper are: (1) that species composition ancient woodlands (often cited as conservation goal), may be moving along an ‘undesirable’ trajectory, from viewpoint; (2) impact synergistic effect changing canopy dynamics, nitrogen deposition rising deer population has resulted increase grass species, at expense herbs. These have significant implications for practical similar habitats across Europe. Conclusi...