Prescott Pinetum - Uplyme
Site Description
Prescott Pinetum, (also known as The Pinetum, Uplyme Pinetum and Woodhouse Pinetum), sits on a north east facing slope, and as such is clearly visible from the village of Uplyme, and the B3165 (Lyme Road) across the valley, as well as to the houses in Woodhouse Fields immediately to the east of the wood.
Despite its name, the majority of the wood is oak woodland, with the Pinetum area restricted to the lower slopes in the central portion of the wood. Exotic Conifer and broadleaved species have previously featured in the Tree Register of the British Isles, with some listed as 'Champion' trees for their size. However the last survey was taken in 1983 and needs updating..
The site is generally characterised by well grown specimens at wide spacings, both broadleaved (oak and beech) and conifer (including sequioa spp, & western red cedar). All of the mature trees are thought to originate from the 1840s when they were planted by the owner of Woodhouse, and as such the wood is very even aged. The understorey in the north east quarter of the wood is dominated by laurel, rhododendron (including unusual varieties), azaleas and holly. Elsewhere, the understorey is very limited with the same species sparsely scattered. There appears to be little or no natural regeneration, even where small areas blew down in the 1987 and 1990 storms. Ground flora predominantly ferns, with bracken and bramble in open areas, and bluebells in spring.
Surrounding land use is predominantly pasture, and the large gardens of houses in Woodhouse Fields. However, small areas of broadleaved woodland link the Pinetum to other nearby blocks, particularly the large Forest Enterprise woodland to the north. Despite the lack of parking and relatively few houses in the immediate vicinity, the wood appears relatively well used, possibly due to a number of public rights of way nearby.
The remains of a small stone building can be found by the path in the centre of the wood. Remaining wall is about 1.5m high by 3m long. This is thought to be the remains of a woodsman/gardener's cottage.
