Epping Forest Act, have now grown massive crowns of thick, trunk-like branches with correspondingly large boles. This gives the trees an unusual appearance, not known in other forests. Often the weight of the branches cannot be supported by the parent tree, and the large amount of dead wood in the forest supports numerous rare species of fungi and invertebrates. Predominant tree species are Pedunculate oak ("Quercus robur"), European beech ("Fagus sylvatica"), European hornbeam ("Carpinus betuloides"), silver birch ("Betula pendula") and European holly ("Ilex aquifolium"). Indicator species of long-uninterrupted woodland include service-tree ("Sorbus torminalis") butcher's-broom ("Ruscus aculeatus") and drooping sedge ("Carex pendula") A
Luzula sylvatica grow on acidic soils in damp habitats. "L. sylvatica" can be found on stream banks and well-drained, open woodland, as well as in open ground and rock ledges and peaty heath moors. Despite its preference for acidic soils, it can tolerate most soil pH levels. The leaves of "Luzula sylvatica" are picked in winter by golden eagles to line their eyries. The flowers and seeds of "L. sylvatica" are also the sole food source for the larvae of the "Coleophora sylvaticella" moth. "Luzula sylvatica" is commonly used in horticulture — its thick, patch-forming habit (which allows the plant to act