Ecology

Rides, Glades and Scallops

About Rides, Glades and Scallops

Openings and edge habitats within woodlands provide warm, sunny areas. Where edge habitats are managed correctly to maintain sunlight, they will not return to dense woodland. Edge habitats are most beneficial when there is a gradual change from mature trees, to young trees, to scrub and vegetation, to grassland. This provides a mosaic of habitat with shaded and lighter areas, which offers itself to a diversity of flora and fauna. These areas provide important habitat for basking species such as invertebrates and reptiles. Many moths and butterflies rely on the low-growing herbs, shrubs or young tree regeneration which are found at woodland edges and openings.

Rides are linear pathways through a woodland formed by paths and woodland tracks. Rides can be created from East to West with the purpose of increasing biodiversity. This orientation ensures good levels of sunlight throughout the day, encouraging a diversity of vegetation as well as basking species. Rides should be wider than the height of the tallest tree, up to 30 metres, to reduce shading.

Glades are openings within a woodland, for example from a recently coppiced area. The high availability of sunlight provides light and warmth which allows woodland flowers to grow. Glades provide greater benefits for biodiversity when there are trees on the edges, which provide some shelter.

Scallops are semi-circular open areas along the edge of a ride, which has been cleared to allow shrubs, vegetation and grasses to grow. The varied woodland edge provides benefits for a diversity of native woodland flora and fauna.