A comparative study of higher plant diversity and communities on opencast sites of varying age and adjacent undisturbed areas

A survey of three habitat types (woodland, hedgerow and pasture) on opencast sites of varying age and adjacent undisturbed sites N,W. of Durham was undertaken. Time since disturbance seems to be the primary influence on the development of organic content of the soils on opencast sites and the corresponding reduction in pH; soil water content is variable but is generally lower on recently restored and thus more consolidated soils. The quality of soil on the opencast woodland sites selected stress-tolerant ruderal plants as constant members of the community, the troughs in the plantations provided a suitable niche for bryophytes and liverworts. The plant diversity of pastures was comparable both on and off opencast sites due to similar farming practise (eg. ploughing and re-seeding). The ground flora of hedgerows was influenced also by aspect and was more diverse when protected from grazing by livestock by a fence.