Septimber - Deadwood

Whilst this tree was still living when this photo was taken it is very old and its twin has already died.

Though it can be sad when a tree dies whether from old age, damage or from falling there is something good which comes from this loss. Deadwood both part of a living tree or laying on the ground has many uses for many species. Fungi, insects and birds all use deadwood, they grow on it, eat it or nest in it. Woodpeckers for example require deadwood which they hollow out for nesting, woodlice on the other hand consume deadwood¹. As well as being utilised by mobile species, as deadwood decays nutrients stored within it, such as Nitrogen (N), are broken down and returned to the soil for living plants to use again. So, you see whilst a tree dying is sad and does leave a hole in an ecosystem, particularly if an ancient tree, deadwood is also a major part of the woodland/forest environment and is relied on by many species.

1 Information for forest management with further information on species reliant on deadwood.