Deadwood provides an important micro-habitat on the ground layer of a broadleaf woodland. Many invertebrate species, such as woodlice, beetles and millipedes make their home here.

In unmanaged woodland, deadwood is provided when trees fall or drop branches. In managed woods, for reasons of safety, we often need to cut these down before they fall. To recreate this habitat, it is good to leave piles of logs and branches around.

Did you know… conifer trees retain their dead branches for a lot longer than broadleaved trees. In coniferous woodland the ground layer is formed of a thick, spongy layer of fallen needles.