Temperate Deciduous Forest Case Study - Geography GCSE

Living World case study, Epping Forest

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  • Created by: Né M
  • Created on: 06-06-12 13:35

Introduction

Location: Epping Forest, Essex 
-North-east London 

Size: 2,500 ha (hectares)
-about 19km long and 4km wide

Habitats:

  • 70% is deciduous woodland 
  • grassland
  • marshes

The variation in habitats means there is a large variety in wildlife, such as:

  • 3 local species of woodpecker
  • wood-boring stag beetles
  • fallow deer
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Early Uses and Management

For many hundreds of years, Epping Forest has been used by monarchs of England for hunting deer.

-local people were allowed to use the forest for:

  • grazing animals 
  • collecting firewood

Pollarding was used to manage the woodland. This involves:

  • cutting the tree at about shoulder height  (above the height of animals)
  • the trees will then reshoot, and so new wood for the future is produced
  • this is an example of sustainable development

In 1878, a law was passed to keep Epping Forest unenclosed and unbuilt on, so it would be an open space for the recreation and enjoyment of people. 

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Current Management

  • The Forest has been designated at SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a European Special Area of Conservation.
    -This means the area - and it flora and fauna - is protected by law

The City of London Corporation adopted the following planning measures:

  • managing recreation by providing appropriate car parks, toilets, refreshment facilities, as well as maintaining footpaths
  • allowing easy access for those with disabilities by providing easy access parks
  • allowing old trees to die&collapse naturally (unless seen as a danger)
  • controlling some forms of recreation, e.g. riding and mountain biking
  • preserving ancient trees by re-pollarding them
  • encouraging grazing to maintain the grassland 
  • preserving ancient earthworks
  • maintaining ponds to prevent them from silting up
  • preserving the herd of fallow deer
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