Dead Standing Trees

Following a previous B-Log I was asked what I meant by 'dead standing trees', so I though I'd explain via the B-Log. Increasing the biodiversity of the woodland is something which is always uppermost in our thoughts, especially as we carry out our work at this time of year. One way of supporting a varied habitat is to leave both dead standing trees and plenty of dead wood lying on the woodland floor. This encourages and living in a whole raft of insects, birds and also fungi living off this dead wood habitat.

Leaving trees which have died to  fall down naturally is perhaps the best of all ways to do this. As our woodland is private and, with the exception of the farmers' fences on the edges, there is little damage these trees can do, we allow this process to take its course. In the one area of our woodland we have some standing dead birch trees such as the one below, which are decaying standing up, which is great birds such as woodpeckers and treecreepers. 

This silver birch is well on its way but should still take a few years to rot completely,  unless strong winds such as Storm Gareth or heavy snow take its toll. 
 
So, dead wood adds character, diversity and valuable habitat to the woodland. Perhaps  next time you're out walking and think a woodland looks untidy you'll think again and remember -  it's a gourmet meal or penthouse suite for some wildlife!