Search

(1) Black Tor Copse is one of three small oakwoods growing in isolated positions amongst granite blocks on steep slopes at > 250 m altitude on Dartmoor, an upland area of moorland in south-west England. (2) The trees of these oakwoods are distinctive in growth form and height. Some are procumbent, while upright trees are from 2 to 12 m tall. Most are of gnarled and twisted appearance. (3) Historical .records show that grazing by cattle, sheep and horses of the moorland surrounding Black Tor Copse has been intense for at least 700 years, and that the woodlands have had much the same appearance for at least 400 years. (4) Observations show that tree growth outside Black Tor Copse is probably limited primarily by soil waterlogging and only secondarily by grazing. There is no evidence of management as a timber source. Grazing has probably limited the distribution of trees within the edaphically suitable area. (5) Analyses of tree size, age and density suggest that different parts of Black Tor Copse have arisen during different periods of regeneration, and that competition within dense stands is the underlying cause of mortality. (6) Regeneration from seed takes place only in open sites offering some protection from grazing. Such sites probably arise as a result of a phase of canopy degeneration. There is some evidence of regeneration from old stools after wind-blow. (7) It is concluded that at present regeneration is sufficient to sustain the woodland canopy at Black Tor Copse. Year-to-year changes in effects of grazing, stock numbers, tree regeneration and mortality need to be monitored to allow prediction of any major changes in the state of the woodland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details are given of four interesting new palaeobotanical records from an Ipswichian (last) Interglacial site in the East Midlands of England. The taxa are considered in the context of the site, and a brief review is presented of their Tertiary and Pleistocene history and present ecology, with some discussion of the phytogeographical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the biology, numbers, growth and production of the indigenous trout, Salmo trutta in Cow Green Reservoir, upper Teesdale, following impoundment in 1970. Comparisons made with pre-impoundment results; Reservoir trout spawned in autumn in afferent streams; Entry of the trout into the reservoir from afferent streams.

Evaluates the use of two different survey techniques for providing an estimate of the size of the common seal population on Orkney, England. Aerial and boat surveys conducted; Number of seals found hauled-out on the survey made during the moult; Recommendation regarding future estimates of population size.