The difference in Bracken growth in 2 areas of woodland; one with majority oak and the other majority larch.

... The difference in Bracken growth in 2 areas of woodland; one with majority oak and the other majority larch Background: I will be investigating two areas approximately 200 meters from each other in Brundholme Woods (Lake District grid ref:31,25). Site one is a majority oak filled woodland also containing birch tress, the trees are there due to natural succession in the climax community stage of self replicating trees. Site two mainly contains larch trees brought to the woodland by Victorians, making it semi-natural. I am going to be investigating a well known fern called bracken (pteridium aquilinum), it is mainly found in areas such as woodland, heath and grassland. It tends to grow best on slight acidic soil. They generally grow to no more than 180cm but in the right conditions could get slightly higher. Observations: Oak trees tend to cover a larger area giving greater canopy cover to the shrub layer in comparison to

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