Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) is an important broad-leaved, mostly deciduous shrub that provides both shelter and food for invertebrates, birds and small mammals, e.g. dormice. The reference state is healthy stands of flowering and fruiting shrubs. Bramble is a common and widespread shrub in Wales and can be found in a variety of situations, favouring woodland edge, hedgerows and scrub. It can become a dominant component of the groundflora following coppicing or clearfell management, but soon retreats to the woodland edge when shaded by canopy regrowth. It has a strong preference for light places on acidic soils and can thrive in these situations.
