Search Natural Areas Foreword Natural Areas & Their Role Natural Area Boundaries Marine Natural Areas Breckland Introduction Key nature conservation features of National Significance Earth heritage Fens Lowland calcareous grassland Lowland dry acid grassland Lowland heathland Reedbeds Standing open water and canals Key nature conservation features of Local Significance Arable and horticulture Coniferous woodland Lowland mixed deciduous woodland Purple moor-grass and rush pastures Rivers and streams Wet woodland

Breckland   Habitat: Wet woodland (of local significance)   These occur on poorly-drained or seasonally wet soils, with alder, birch and willows usually dominant. Frequently found in a mosaic with other habitats, e.g. oakwoods or fens.   Sallow and alder carr has invaded many former fen sites, but a range of mixed ash/alder,willow/alder and pure alder carrs exist depending on land use history and wetness. Severalalder carrs have been coppiced for fuel over long periods. Typical plants include water mint,bugle, water avens, gipsywort and occasionally bogbean. All these carr woodlands are poorlydescribed and will pay much further attention from naturalists.   Copyright    Privacy    Freedom of information    Directgov