In various places on the walk you will notice several areas of rock, and on them a process of succession is occurring which is a classic example of a lithosere (literally, a seral stage on rock). This is the awesome process whereby solid rock is invaded by plants, and gradually proceeds through successional stages to a climax community ‑ in this case, dry Sclerophyll forest.
The earliest colonisers are the lichens, followed, in appropriately moist conditions, by mosses. These hold water and trap soil, creating the right situation for small vascular plants to become established. On these recently bare rock sheets we now find small ferns, orchids and succulents; already shrubs grow near the edge.
Succession Activities.
Pick a rock area and sketch the extent of lichens and moss on the rock.
Look for rocky ground that has moss growing. This moss may be hard and dark as it lacks water. When it becomes wet from rain it quickly becomes green again and continues growing. The dark and dry moss will collect dust, leaf particles and will gradually collect seeds which will germinate and a new plant will form. Look for examples of this on the walk. Sketch or photograph them.
The dry moss is a survival mechanism, allowing the moss to stay alive in dry weather between rain periods. Note where the moss is growing as you move up the slope; the lower slopes will probably have more moss than the upper slopes. Keep a record and make a diagram of the moss on the slope.
| Black & White Birds | Succession | Fungi | Food Web | Listen to Birds | Reptiles |