What’s in a name?

Many people often ask us, why ‘Woodsage’? It’s a good question, and one we thought we’d shed a little more light upon:

Wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia) is by all accounts a relatively unimpressive flowering plant. Perhaps this is because - unlike the bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) which we are all familiar with - it fails to decorate our woodlands with an injection of springtime colour; but the significance of this upright and branching plant extends much further than visual merit alone.

Native to the UK, wood sage can be found on dry and sandy soils: in woodlands, grassland, heaths, and dunes across the UK, where you can often find it accompanied by wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa).

The pale green spikes of flowers, which are not unlike the familiar “candles” of the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) - though much smaller - are borne between July and September. Inconspicuous to the casual observer, these are highly prized by pollinating insects, as are the nutlets which follow to birds.

Wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia)

Although in fact not a true sage, like these (and rather confusingly!), it belongs to the mint family. The leaves of wood sage are wrinkled and toothed - as with true sage - however, unlike its culinary cousin, these leaves are virtually scentless, which renders it of little value as a herb.

In taste and smell, wood sage instead closer resembles hops (Humulus lupulus), to such an extent, that in some areas of the UK the plant has been used historically as a substitute for these in beer.  So, next time you visit your local craft brewery and the latest addition to their menu is hopped with wood sage, you will know they weren’t the first to try this!

Alongside wood anemones, bluebells, and many others, wood sage can often be an indicator of ancient woodlands: in England and Wales these are defined as areas of woodland that have persisted since the 17th century.  Ancient woodlands have often remained relatively undisturbed by human intervention, and as a result, host unique and complex ecological communities.

Ancient Woodland, UK

In woodlands which have been less well documented - particularly those under 2 ha in size - ancient woodland indicator species, like wood sage, can provide a vital tool for ecologists and arboriculturalists, though their presence and distribution should be taken with a degree of caution.

Ancient woodland is a highly valuable natural asset of multifaceted importance, which contributes to a wide range of contemporary issues at the forefront of government agendas, including:

• The conservation of soils of pedological and ecological importance

• Carbon capture and storage

• Flood prevention and climate change resilience

• The UK seed bank and genetic diversity

• Recreation, health, and wellbeing

• Cultural, historical and landscape value

Ancient woodland is classified by Natural England and The Forestry Commission as irreplaceable habitat. At present, with only 2.5% of land in the UK consisting of ancient woodland, conservation and enhancement of what remains of these habitats is of increasing importance.

Local planning authorities are becoming increasingly mindful of the value of ancient woodland and the importance of their conservation. Planning applications relating to developments which result in the loss or deterioration of ancient woodland are therefore likely to be refused outright.

Tree protection barriers are an effective method of excluding construction machinery and activities from the vicinity of trees and/or woodlands.

Development, including construction and operational activities, can negatively impact ancient woodland and the wildlife they support in numerous ways, both directly and indirectly. In circumstances where ancient woodland has the potential to be impacted by development, it is therefore imperative that adequate supporting information is submitted in conjunction with the planning application.

At Woodsage Consulting, we have experience of developing detailed woodland management plans, and also working collaboratively with local authorities, architects and developers - in accordance with BS5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations - to limit the impact of developments on trees and woodlands. We truly believe the natural environment can (and should) be of material consideration when planning developments and we have experience of integrating and enhancing the quality of trees and woodland in relation to the built environment.

We always strive to offer sage advice and guidance to our clients in these instances, in fact, you may like to call us the wood sage!