© UKCEH
The following is a short summary of the habitat type and how to create/enhance it to a "good" condition. For an informed position, please refer to official up-to-date UKHAB documentation or the UK Government's Condition Assessment Sheet.
Dense scrub comprising a mixture of species without a single species dominant or stands with a dominant species that is not Juniper (Juniperus communis), Willow (Salix spp.), Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticumnot), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), European Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), Hazel (Corylus avellana) or Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
How to Create / Enhance to a "Good" condition
The simplest way to create scrub and scrub mosaics is to allow them to develop naturally (natural regeneration). It works best where existing areas of scrub, like hedgerows and woodland scrub, can spread.
How to get a "moderate" rating
In a management plan aiming to achieve ‘moderate’ condition the plan will show the following:
There shall be a canopy dominated by native shrub species less than 5m tall, with any scattered trees above this height recorded as individual trees.
At least 3 native woody species will be included in the scrub.
So far as possible, native species only will be continued
Any signs of new seedlings, saplings and young shrubs growing naturally alongside more mature shrubs will be maintained.
There shall be no invasive non-native species as listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
There shall be steps to avoid the following species:
shallon Gaultheria shallon
American skunk cabbage Lysichiton americanus
Spanish bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica
hybrid bluebells Hyacinthoides x massartiana.
Source: Natural England
How to get a "good" rating
In addition to the characteristics for moderate condition, to get a ‘good’ condition the plan will show the following:
Steps will be taken to encouage another semi-natural habitat net to the scrub, with the border managed so that the habitat edges blend smoothly into the nearby habitat(s).
Steps will be taken to incorporate open spaces like glades, rides and clearings, which will be maintained.
Source: Natural England
Useful Resources
Guide 1: Create scrub and scrub mosaic
Guide 2: Manage scrub and scrub mosaics
Guide 3: The Scrub Management Handbook
Please note that this is a simple guide to help identify the habitat. For a definitive description, please refer to UKHab documentation. Joe's Blooms takes no responsibility for the content of external links.