Ecosystems

This project presents the study of one natural and one urban ecosystem. It focuses on the most common plant species, the soil type and the effects of human activities in the area. The attached pictures below show the whole ecosystems:

Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)

LOCATION: MARCHESTER METROPOLITAN CAMPUS



The plant I have found was growing in an urban environment with a very little soil. The flowers started to bloom as it is an early spring, however I could only find them on the very bottom of the plant. The surrounding buildings could restrict the plants growing room and the direct sunlight, however it grew very well considering the conditions. The flowers of Guelder Rose are small, white in the summer and have five petals. The flowers form in a button like bunch at the top of the stem which sprout separately from the ground.

Ilex aquifolium (Holly)

Holly is an evergreen plant, easily identified by its thick, oval, dark green leaves, rimmed with multiple spurs. The leaves slowly contort as they age, causing the spikes to offer protection it three dimensions. The interior branches are very tangled together due to the trees age or the conditions it is growing in. This Holly is tightly surrounded with Rhododendron ponticum which does not leave much space for the plant to grow. On the bottom left hand photo you can see suckers indicating the plant has been damaged at some point and is sending smaller branches as an insurance. Overall, the plant seems to be in good a condition.

 

Corylus avellana (Hazel)

Hazels are deciduous trees and large shrubs with broad leaves, and showy male catkins in early spring, followed by edible nuts. I found this plant in quite a wild environment, surrounded by species like Salix caprea (Goat willow), Urtica diodica (Nettle) and Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Bluebell).



This specific plant had about 13-14 meters which for hazel species is unusual. It's branches on the other hand were not as tangled as they sometimes happen to be. The tree had few fruits and fully grown leaves. The topsoil seems to have quite a thick layer and there is a little of human activity therefore the environment is more natural.

Prunus avium (Wild cherry)

I have found this species in its full bloom at the beginning of April, the flowers grow very densely situated on a stem. Some of them have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark. They very often are the main source of food for bees. This tree also sent suckers from one side of the trunk due to a damage it may have experienced in the past. Also, there was much more flowers than leaves.

Salix caprea (Goat willow)

Goat willows are deciduous shrubs and trees of diverse habit, with simple leaves and tiny flowers in catkins, male and female usually on separate plants. The plant I have found is situated in Platt Fields Park. I found it in late March therefore its fruits were not yet fully grown and the whole tree looked quite poor. It was also densely surrounded by other trees, it was growing right next to the pedestrian way and was overgrown with Hedera helix (Ivy) and there were still no leaves.

Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Bluebell)

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is seen throuout the countryside, but much less often in urban areas. Bluebells area a vivid deep blue, intended to attract the attention of bees and other pollen spreading insects. H. non-scripta is a vigorous perennial with linear leaves and erect stems bearing arching racemes of fragrant, narrowly tubular, violet-blue, or occasionally white, flowers in spring.

Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn)

This Blackthorn was found on the cliffs of Silverdale. It is relatively large shrub compared with other species around. The flowers are often mistaken with the Wild cherry, however the form of the plant is very different. The flowers and its petals instantly fell apart when touched. The tree seemed to be satisfied with the overall conditions it was growing in and it was dominating in the local area although there was almost no topsoil. 

Quercus robur (English Oak)

Primula vulgaris (Primrose)

Primula vulgaris is a very common spring flower, often can be found in many colours varying from blue, purple, pink to white, however this last one is the most common. This specific group of plants that I found in Queens Park were in rather poor conditions. The soil seemed to be very dry, the leaves started to turn slightly yellow and brown on the edges. The flowers were fully developed as it was the middle of April.

Fraxinus excelsior (Ash)

Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine)