Stanley Park Environmental Art - Ephemeral Works

Ecological response

provided by Robyn Worcester of SPES for Uprooted

Because there are few areas where root wads were not tipped up, these are now a very valuable resource for wildlife and we should do all we can not to disturb them.

If this site is used and work will proceed near a root wad, perhaps a sheet of plywood covering the soil where she will be working (and walking back and forth) would protect the soil from too much disturbance. It should be removed when she is not working.

If the root wad itself is manipulated, Shirley should bear in mind that she is making it unsuitable as a winter wren nesting site. Also, if the mineral soil (hanging in the root wad) is disturbed or removed it will reduce the colonization of specialized plants such as goblins gold moss, licorice fern and fungi.

If she is removing woody debris, rocks or other materials from the forest floor, she is reducing the habitat that is utilized by small wildlife. Wood and other materials should only be removed/moved from areas where they are plentiful.