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Back to limestone dales

Limestone Scrub

Scrub can be an important part of the limestone dale, providing a link between the woodland and grassland. There are a number of different types of scrub defined by the most dominant plant species:

• Hazel scrub may be the remnants of ancient woodland. There may be field rose, guelder rose, lily of the valley and wood sage. Birds such as whitethroat and thrush live here.
• Hawthorn scrub is common and provides shelter, nectar and fruit for birds and insects, but its swift spread over species-rich grassland is less desirable.
• Gorse scrub is important to birds such as the linnet and is a source of nectar for insects. This type of scrub can be found where soils are acidic.

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