2. Plant Ecosystems Learning Objectives Name some UK plant ecosystems
Describe some of the plant species found in each ecosystem
Explain how abiotic and biotic factors affect each ecosystem
KEY WORDS: Ecosystem, Abiotic factors, Biotic factors, Habitat, Species

3. What is an ecosystem?
KWL Grid completion for students (KW only).

4. Rainforest ecosystem
KWL Grid completion for students (KW only).

5. Experience, Learn, Develop
UK ecosystems - Heathland
The main characteristic of Heathland is the domination of scrub vegetation such as Gorse and Heather. There tend to be few trees, and sandy acidic soils. Heathland is a rare and threatened habitat, with around 85% of heathland destroyed since The New Forest has the most extensive area of remaining heathland: over 10,000ha. The area is particularly important for bird species, invertebrates and reptiles. It supports the largest population of Dartford Warblers in the UK. Temperatures vary between approx. 1C – 24C on average, with rainfall between mm per month.
Video link: New Forest National Park Video – Heathland
Images: Common lizard, Common Blue, Dartford Warbler, Kestrel, New Forest Pony
Experience, Learn, Develop

6. Experience, Learn, Develop
UK ecosystems – Deciduous Woodland
Rainfall is reasonably high, averaging at 500-1,500mm per year. The temperature range is narrow, with winters often remaining above 0C even within winter, and summer temperatures averaging at 20-25C.
Tree species are typically broad leaved with the canopy being composed of oak, elm, beech. Light is able to reach the vegetation below, allowing hazel, ash, holly, brambles, wild garlic and bluebells to thrive. The change in temperature in the winter causes the deciduous trees to lose their leaves.
Images: Deer, Buzzard, Hedgehog, Holm Oak, Blackberries, Woodland ecosystem.
Experience, Learn, Develop

7. Experience, Learn, Develop
UK ecosystems - Coastal
Costal habitats are very dynamic – with changing tides, sediments and erosion. This creates an interesting habitat for study, and harsh conditions for life.
On the sand dunes, we often find reptile species such as sand lizards and common lizards. Salt resistant grasses such as the sharp Marram Grass can also be found on the dunes, and these help to bind the sand together, stabilizing the area for other plants.
The beaches and shoreline provide excellent feeding conditions for many bird species, particularly gulls and waders, with the greatest biodiversity at the strandline with sediment, vegetation and organic matter being stranded at low tide. Many species depend on these areas for shelter and food.
Costal cliffs provide safe breeding areas for many seabirds – with predators being low in number due to accessibility.
Images: Marram grass, Black Headed Gull, Curlew, Mussels, Horned Poppies
Experience, Learn, Develop

8. Next Steps Research ONE of the ecosystems in more detail.
You should include:
Examples of species found there (plant and animal)
Abiotic and Biotic factors
You could include:
Human impacts
Other threats
KWL Grid completion for students (KW only).