Muckton Wood

Also within

Lincolnshire County

Condition (Natural England)

Habitats

Ancient woodland, Coppiced woodland

Geology & landscape

Rock Type: Glacial Till

Landscape processes: Glacial

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

Description

Area,16.7 ha4.13 ac Description Muckton Wood is a fine example of primary woodland on boulder clay at the eastern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Alder Alnus glutinosa is an unusual feature which replaces the typical oak/ash canopy with hazel understorey in areas where there is sub surface water movement towards Muckton Beck. The area is managed as hazel coppice with standards. A well developed shrub layer includes hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, holly Ilex aquifolium and blackthorn Prunus spinosa. Wood margins have abundant field maple Acer campestre with aspen Populus tremula. Brambles, Rubus spp. dominate part of the ground flora but do not exclude herbs, including those indicative of ancient woodland. Herb paris Paris quadrifolia is abundant in one area. Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa, early purple orchid Orchis mascula, wood sorrel Oxalis acetosella, woodruff Galium odoratum and moschatel Adoxa moschatellina are found throughout, while bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta is almost confined to the massive wood bank along the western edge. Other species interest is in the ferns, including the soft and hard shield ferns Polystichum setiferum and P. aculeatum and in wet areas characterised by meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria and lesser pond sedge Carex acutiformis. The site supports one of the largest heronries (grey heron) in the county with over 30 breeding pairs. Other breeding birds including greater spotted woodpecker, treecreeper and an abundance of warblers.

Species mentioned