Tubes

 After the 1987 Storm, many areas of damaged woodland were replanted using green plastic tubes (called Tuley tubes after their inventor.)  This area had a number of mature Beech trees that came down in the storm and, in an attempt to restore woodland, trees were duly planted here (yes, I helped with the planting!)

However, the tubes did not biodegrade as well as promised and the natural regeneration of Birch was much more successful than the planting. Birch is an early pioneer species but is fairly short lived compared to many tree species. 

It is clear to see how the area has colonised by dense, relatively young Birch, which are doing much better than the planted trees (some of which are still struggling to get out of their tubes: must take a knife next time!)

Obviously the tubes do have their place: they are particularly useful in preventing grazing of saplings and protection from the elements in exposed areas. It is just that Birch regeneration is so successful on Ashdown Forest.  There are still some of the original Beech trees standing in this are and it will be interesting to see whether Beech succeeds the Birch in the long term. Some are decaying and providing good habitat for fungi.

On the subject of fungi, a certain clumsy dog destroyed the best fungi picture of the day. I can't be cross with him for staying so close!