Conservation & Ecology “
A sensible approach to this answer would be informed by the position and function of the tree and whether it is likely to cause any safety concerns
any scenario, and as the same picture of the oak illustrates, it is clear that this tree also supports flaking bark, revealing problems with the inner (living) vascular cambium layers. Close inspection on the ground would reveal other problems and, in this case, careful removal of the small section of the outer bark would reveal the bootlaces (rhizomorphs) of honey fungus, a problem species that will result in the ultimate death of the tree. The presence of the fungus now
poses another question. Do we keep the tree or do we remove it? A sensible approach to this answer would be informed by the position and function of the tree and whether it is likely to cause any safety concerns. Remember the tree will, if retained, provide many years of food and interest to a wide diversity of wildlife as it breaks down. One possible alternative would be to
reduce the crown height of the tree and, so, reducing any safety concerns. This will still allow natural decay over time. Again, an informed decision formulated with knowledge and experience will offer the best all round outcome and it will prove least impacting on the ecology and upon greenstaff resources. If it is determined that the tree should be removed then, rather than removing the wood, leave it to break down; it will provide valuable habitat to rare and declining invertebrates whilst securing homes for a diversity of life. Note; there are instances where,
because of the aggressiveness of the honey fungus species - and strains of honey fungus vary in terms of their parasitic vigour - tree removal rather than retention should be undertaken. This, however, is something that should be advised. The moral of all of the above is not
Everything has its place and our desire for tidiness can and will unwittingly prove detrimental to the wildlife that is providing so much interest and value within any area
” 100 I PC APRIL/MAY 2016
to over tidy or clean up the countryside without good reason. Nature is untidy, but it is not disorganised. Everything in nature works together bringing plant associations into close proximity with each other. Trees do not survive in isolation. They, like our turf grasses, rely on fungal associations, some of them good, some possibly not so but, even if not so positive to us, the outcome will prove beneficial for wildlife. Dead trees are just as important as
living trees in the wider scheme of things. Everything has its place and our desire for tidiness can and will unwittingly prove detrimental to the wildlife that is providing so much interest and value within any area. One last example, look at the
amount of ivy on the tree shown here. Is the ivy killing the tree? Is it a parasite? Again, any well meaning official may call for the ivy to be
removed to improve the overall health of the tree. Ivy is not a parasite and is not killing
the tree; it is simply using the tree to climb up towards the available light source. In doing so, it is providing vital habitat for butterflies such as brimstone, blues and hairstreaks; it is providing opportunities for bats, i.e. for summer and maternity roosting and for overwintering too. It supports many invertebrates which, in turn, provide a rich food source for birds. Its bulk will also allow smaller birds to nest. Ivy is one of our most important shrubs for nature conservation, but sadly, and all too often, it is seen as a problem species that is being cleared from our trees in an attempt to ‘tidy’ or to improve the health of trees or, as is sometimes the case, to expose the tree for arboriculture inspection. There are clearly occasions where ivy
could be removed, such as when growing on the more important focal trees at the back of a green but, equally, it should always be remembered that removal will have an impact and will be detrimental to our wildlife. Removal may result in a poorer landscape, weaker in terms of wildlife and possibly weaker in terms of golfing interest, particularly when compared with those more proactive, informed clubs that may occur within the same neighbourhood and which are recognising the importance of our natural resources. Management is key to the health and longevity of our golfing landscapes, but it must be considered, directed and appropriate. Golf, as an industry in particular, is moving progressively forward, integrating ecological and agronomic management, but please do seek advice as to the appropriateness of your endeavours, which can be both good and bad, depending upon the varying levels of expertise applied. If you are considering any wider management, be it through the grasslands or, indeed, through any area of the course, please do feel free to contact Sophie Vukelic or myself, Bob Taylor, at STRI to discuss further.
www.stri.co.uk
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