Sparkford Wood

Also within

Somerset County

Condition (Natural England)

Habitats

Coppiced woodland

Description

Area, 8.39 ha. 20.73 ac. Description Sparkford Wood is a broadleaved semi natural woodland situated on heavy fertile soils. It dates from at least the 18th Century and its survival amongst the prime agricultural land of south east Somerset makes it unique. It is a good example of traditionally managed and undisturbed lowland oak wood. The site consists largely of tall spreading pedunculate oak Quercus robur maidens with locally common ash Fraxinus excelsior and an understorey of hazel coppice Corylus avellana. The westernmost compartment was originally called Coppice Close and distinctions between the vegetation of this area and the rest of the wood may be a consequence of previous differences in management. The ground flora, which includes abundant bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, varies in conjunction with differences in soils which range from mildly calcareous to acid. The woodland has a large population of homostyle primroses Primula vulgaris which have been the subject of some classic genetic studies. These plants are unique in that they represent a self fertile form of a normally self sterile species and they are of international significance in providing research opportunities.

Species mentioned