Ligustrum vulgare (Wild Privet)
In Toll Wood:
Wild privet in Toll Wood only appears towards the Western edge of Toll Wood close to the exposed chalk scarp face. Strictly, this is a shrub but is included here as a woody plant. A healthy cluster of plants provides ample cover for nesting birds and good supplies of black berries (very poisonous to humans). Ultimate height and spread between 2.5m and 4m.
Management. Wild privet needs good levels of light. So, if we are to encourage its presence, there will need to be some thinning of other species.
The privet may be a beneficiary of tentative plans to fully open up the western flank to encourage woodland floor flora.
Biodiversity value: MEDIUM
The presence of wild privet may support the privet hawk-moth. But we have no evidence of this species in Toll Wood. Keep eyes open for lime-green caterpillars with purple streaks and black hook at the tail end.
In general, wild privet is especially important to moth populations.
Summer-flowering.
