Case study: Epping Forest

Where is Epping forest located?

East London

How has Epping forest been managed for the past 1000 years?

Many ways, including hunting grounds for royalty, a timber resource and nowadays for recreational use.

Where are there 20 species of dragonfly?

Bogs and ponds.

What kinds of trees are there?

Large numbers of of native tree species, including oak, elm, ash and beech.

Describe the producers found in Epping forest.

A lower shrub layer of holly and hazel at 5 metres, overlying a field of grasses, brambles, bracken, fern, and flowering plants.

There are 177 species of moss and lichen that grow there.

There are many kinds of insect, mammal and bird consumers. Give two examples.

Nine amphibian and reptile species and 38 types of bird species.

How many species of fungi are there? What are they used for?

700 species of fungi which are important decomposers.

How are the trees adapted to the seasonal climate?

They are deciduous, so lose shed their leaves in autumn to conserve energy during winter. The trees then grow broad leaves in spring to maximise photosynthesis during the summer.

How do trees contribute to nutrient cycling?

As the trees are deciduous,by mid-autumn, the forest floor is covered with a thick layer of leaves. The decomposers and detrivores work in the soil, so that by spring, all the nutrients in the leaves have been converted to humus ready to support the new season’s plant growth. This will ultimately include the fruits and berries that, in turn, support many primary consumers.

How are people and ecosystem components interdependent?

Today, visitors pick berries and flowers, in turn, helping spread the seeds which stick to their clothing.

Give an example of a food chain in Epping forest.

Shrubs → worms → mice → owls