The area between M3 and Medlar Wood is about two and a quarter metres square (1.5m x 1.5m). It has evolved virtually independently since the project began in 2003 and now consists of a leafy sward with an average height of 30 centimetres (1 foot).
The other day I made a note of all the vascular plant species growing there, a lsit the I doubt would fit any National Vegetation survey criterion. It included hazel (Corylus avellana), bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), black bryony (Tamus communis), false brome grass (Brachypodium sylvaticum), cochksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata), bent grasses (Agrostis spp.), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), stinking iris (Iris foetidissima), wild onion (Allium vineale), ivy (Hedera helix), wood dock (Rumex sanguineus), herb robert (Geranium robertianum), soft rush (Juncus effusus), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), goosegrass (Galium aparine), holly (Ilex aquifolium), lords and ladies (Arum maculatum)..
Species that will grow taller have been appearing in the last two or three years and I will aim to maintain a 30cm sward by pruning as the whole makes s diverse and sunny woodland glade.
