Wild About Britain - Ruderal habitats

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Ruderal habitats - right up your street!

Ruderal habitats - right up your street!

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xxx

14-02-2010 08:52 AM - permalink

AshLee

Ruderal habitats are defined as habitats where disturbance is sustained but where there is no intentional substitution of vegetation. A ruderal species is a plant species that is first to colonise such disturbed lands.

Whilst the disturbance may be natural (e.g. avalanches) or agricultural (e.g. abandoned fields) in modern London such habitats are often created because of constructional influences. They include ‘waste’ ground, roadside verges, pavements, walls, gutters and post-industrial sites.

These sites can be a very rich source of plants. There are many records of non-native plants (particularly escapes from gardens, bird-seed aliens, and seeds carried by vehicles and footwear) sprouting happily from the cracks in pavements and walls. Such plants can support a surprisingly rich fauna. Post-industrial areas along the Thames corridor contain the combination of stony or sandy habitats...

xxx

14-02-2010 08:53 AM - permalink

AshLee

...and a mass of wild flowers that are ideal for many interesting insects, including several scarce Bumblebees that are Biodiversity Action Plan priority species. And perhaps the most famous example of a species that taken advantage of certain ruderal habitats is the Black Redstart, the fascinating ecology of which is not yet fully understood.

Unfortunately, many such sites are now being rapidly re-developed. But with the right mitigation, a development can not only ensure the continued presence of species that depend on these habitats, but in some cases may provide an enhancement.

London's streets may no longer be paved with gold. But with just a little bit of research there might be something even more valuable yet waiting to be discovered. So next time you are out and about, spare some time to look around you. Without a doubt you will soon discover that "wildlife interest is everywhere" (LNHS, 2007). Oh and don't forget to come back and tell us all about what you saw ;-)

xxx

15-02-2010 02:37 PM - permalink

AshLee

Galinsoga parviflora or "Gallant Soldier" (sometimes altered to "Soldiers of the Queen") is typical of many exotic weeds that can be seen in London's pavements, at the foot of old walls, around car parks and in other ruderal habitats.

G. parviflora was brought from Peru to Kew Gardens in 1796, and later escaped to the wild in Britain. It used to be known as 'Kew Weed'. In Colombia it is used as a spice herb in the soup Ajiaco. It can also be used as an ingredient in leaf salads. In Britain, like in much of the world, it is considered a weed.

First one to spot it this year wins a prize ;-)

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