Quantitative studies of the effects of human trampling on vegetation as an aid to the management of semi-natural areas.
Abstract
Ordination analysis of vegetation records made at Tresco, Isles of Scilly, indicated that Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea and Anthoxanthum odoratum were sensitive to trampling while Lotus corniculatus survived best at medium levels of trampling. At Ranmore in Scotland, Lolium perenne and Cynosurus cristatus were resistant to trampling , and Holcus lanatus recovered rapidly from trampling damage. Medium trampling at a coastal site in Norfolk greatly reduced Ammophila arenaria, Agropyron pungens and Agrostis stolonifera and encouraged Poa pratensis and Festuca rubra..