Progressive plant invasion and colonization of an area adjacent to ancient woodland at Edford Wood, Somerset, England

Abstract

Edford Wood, near Holcombe in Somerset, England has a rich and varied flora. Topography and species composition indicate that much of the woodland is of ancient origin. The history of the site is complex, with the woodland long subjected to considerable human disturbance from surface mining of coal, drainage and the felling of larger trees. Documentary and other evidence has revealed that part of the wood has developed from grassland during the present century. This area of secondary woodland illustrates processes of succession as woodland plants invade. 0 1998 The Linnean Sociew of London ADDITIONAL KEY WORDS:-bulbous perennialsconservationnative status -