The deciduous Beech tree Fagus sylvatica grows on a wide range of soil types, acidic or basic, provided they are not waterlogged. The tree canopy casts dense shade, and carpets the ground thickly with leaf litter preventing diversity within the understory. Beech only appeared after the last glaciation. Although only considered native in southern England, beech trees have spread far north into Scotland, mostly through extensive planting. It is possible that early Neolithic tribes planted them for their edible nuts. Marton Woods, North Yorkshire.
Lizzie Shepherd is a professional photographer, writer and teacher, based in North Yorkshire, specialising in landscape, nature and travel photography. She runs small group photography workshops, offers 1-2-1 tuition and also provides commercial photography services to a number of different clients. She has a range of framed prints on display at the Joe Cornish Gallery in Northallerton and you can see much more of her work on her website.
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