Deadwood

We are becoming quite used to terms to describe various habitats that benefit nature, often in relation to their decline, such as, woodland (especially ancient), woodland pasture, scrub, wetland etc. Less often talked about are the micro-habitats such as deadwood.

Often found as standing deadwood or fallen limbs, deadwood is not just a host to invertebrates such as the charismatic stag beetle Lucanus cervus, many fungi and lichen and also bryophytes such as mosses and liverworts; but also birds, bats and other mammals, reptiles, amphibians and, when in water, fish.

In a 2011 report by Buglife it was estimated that 13% of all species of plants and animals known in the UK are directly dependant on deadwood habitats while many more are dependant on saproxylic organisms themselves. A saproxylic species such as certain beetles (approximately 2000 in the uk) and fungi depend on dead or dying wood for at least part of their lifecycle. However, a report in 1989 (Speight) estimated that 40% of all saproxylic species were on the verge of extinction over much of their range, while the others were in decline. 

Fungi are getting so much well deserved good press now as we learn more about mycorrhizae growing in association with plant roots and the mutualistic relationship that this fosters. They are also the primary agents of wood decay and, along with saproxylic insects, play a key role in nutrient cycling and  ecosystem functioning, which is a fancy way to say that they make the natural world work a whole lot better: as wood decomposes, it returns important nutrients to the soil that in turn support new growth. It also supports as much as a fifth of all woodland species, many of which are considered rare or threatened such as the stag beetle mentioned above.

Where we have agency in our gardens or any other land that we may own or manage, and if it’s safe, we can leave deadwood where it stands.  Maybe use it as a plant support or, when fallen, let it decompose naturally. Or if that’s a step too far down the eco warrior / tree hugger path, tidy it away into a corner somewhere but then leave it be. While all the good stuff that we can’t see is going on as it decomposes we might home a hedgehog, toad, frog or newt.

Standing and fallen deadwood, along with veteran trees, present by far the best insect hotel, bird feeder, bird box, bat box and bee box available and much more besides - and any that are safely left in the garden or countryside are offering untold benefits to our ecology.

I might start a new campaign, ‘keep Britain untidy’ but not litter. Don’t get me started…

Photo by Nick Smith https://nicksmithphotography.com