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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.10.03.560441

Introducing a new methodology to improve the predictive value of ancient woodland indicator species for landscape history

Forbes-Laird, J.
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Abstract

Certain species of vascular plants have been proposed as indicators of very long established woodland. In the England and Wales, woodland present continuously since at least 1600AD is known as ancient woodland, with the plants concerned being referred to as ancient woodland indicator species. A number of authors have considered this topic from differing angles, and the concept has been validated, though with problems identified. The authors introduce a new method, WISDOM, for recording and analysing indicator assemblages, and test this tool with a comparative assessment of their distribution and occurrence in a known ancient woodland and a known secondary woodland. This paper reports the results of this assessment, discussing also the evidential weight that can be attached to different species of indicator plants. A literature review is included, with the authors concluding that their findings are consistent with several strands of previous research.

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Forbes-Laird, J.. 2023-10-04. Introducing a new methodology to improve the predictive value of ancient woodland indicator species for landscape history. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.03.560441

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