Beech & Sweet Chestnut plantation

Between 100 and 120 years ago, the majority of Scholes Coppice was replanted with the non-native trees, Beech and Sweet Chestnut. These still dominate the area, being combined with small numbers of Sessile Oak, Sycamore, Pines and Lime. The shrub layer beneath the trees is poorly-developed, consisting of occasional mature Holly.

The conversion of this woodland to a plantation has caused the ground flora to become rather poor. Sweet Chestnut and in particular Beech cast a very dense shade and the damaging effect of this is increased by the deep, acid leaf litter of the Beech. As a result the woodland floor tends to be dominated by Creeping Soft-grass, with other species, such as Bramble, Wavy Hair-grass, Bluebell and Honeysuckle, occurring occasionally.

Spread throughout this plantation area are eight patches of younger trees, the result of group felling in 1993/94. These areas are now much more diverse, having a mixture of young Silver Birch, Beech, Oak, Sweet Chestnut, Rowan, Sycamore, Holly, Ash and Wild Cherry, as well as a more diverse field layer than that described above.

This plantation area also includes the mature Sweet Chestnuts and other trees that grow upon Caesar's Camp. In due course, these will be cleared in order to protect the archaeological value of this Iron Age fort.