Talhenbont

Also within

Gwynedd County

Description

Description Talhenbont is selected for its botanical interest, both for the woodland habitat represented and as an important site for epiphytic lichens which occur on mature trees in the woodland as well as in and around adjoining agricultural fields. The broadleaved woodland, which is an example of the ivy-oak/ash Hedera helix – Quercus/Fraxinus woodland type, is situated on moderate to steep slopes on both sides of the Afon Dwyfach at an altitude of 20 to 55m. Ash Fraxinus excelsior and occasional sessile oak Quercus petraea are the main native high canopy tree species, and beech Fagus sylvatica, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and sweet chestnut Castanea sativa are also present. hazel Corylus avellana is frequent as an understorey shrub and holly Ilex aquifolium is locally abundant. The structure of the field layer and ground flora is mixed and variable; various species are locally dominant, e.g. bramble Rubus fruticosus, bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, greater woodrush Luzula sylvatica and broad buckler fern Dryopteris dilatata and woodland bryophytes, e.g. Leucobryum glaucum and Dicranum majus, are abundant on the steeper slopes; in more base-rich conditions at the base of the slopes species such as dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis and enchanter’s nightshade Circaea lutetiana are present. Uncommon species in the wooded area include hay-scented buckler fern Dryopteris aemula, globeflower Trollius europaeus and the bryophytes Isothecium holtii and Porella pinnata. The diverse epiphytic flora of this site includes over 100 corticolous species and the richest communities occur on ash, oak and elm Ulmus glabra and U. procera trees in the woodland and adjacent pastures. A range of rare and uncommon species are present, e.g. Catinaria grossa and Arthonia ilicina.

Species mentioned