Many different plants may grow in the lower layers of a broadleaf wood.

This woodland has a mix of wild and cultivated plants in its herb layer (non-woody plants that grow up to around knee level).

Changing seasons...

Many spring ephemeral species (bluebell, wood anemone, snowdrop and others) are found in this layer of the woodland.

They grow and flower in early spring before the trees come into leaf to make the most of the available light. Once the trees’ leaves come out, many spring ephemerals will die back as the light levels reduce.