Thatchers Wood and Westwood Covert

Also within

Shropshire County

Condition (Natural England)

Habitats

Fast flowing river and stream

Description

Area, 36 ha. 89 ac. Description The Coal Measures plateau of south east Shropshire, dissected by tributaries of the Severn, is a comparatively well wooded part of the county. Woods occur mainly in the stream valleys and several areas retain a high degree of scientific interest. These woods occur on geological strata and soils similar to those of the Wyre Forest, a few miles to the south and this is reflected in the flora and fauna. However, because of this geographical separation, the Wyre Forest is treated as a separate site. Thatchers Wood is a predominantly damp wood in the valley of the Mor Brook, with areas of dry rocky woodland on steep slopes in Westwood Covert. The flora is influenced by the damp, comparatively base rich character of the soil. Four types of woodland occur, each dominated by different species as follows, i ash Fraxinus excelsior and wych elm Ulmus glabra; ii ash and maple Acer campestre; iii ash and hazel Corylus avellana and iv alder Alnus glutinosa. The main species occurring in the field layer are ramsons Allium ursinum, dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis, woodruff Galium odoratum, enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana, tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa and yellow archangel Lamiastrum galeobdolon. There are several uncommon species present in the wood, including great bellflower Campanula latifolia, alternate leaved golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium alternifolium, herb paris Paris quadrifolia and thin spiked wood sedge Carex strigosa. The scarce wild service tree Sorbus torminalis also occurs. Landslips have exposed boulders, rock faces and bare clay surfaces which add to the diversity of the site.

Species mentioned

Plant communities