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Photo: Aranya
Succession - 1
Succession is the natural process by which nature recolonises bare land. In nature this could begin with the falling of a large tree in a mature forest, creating an open glade. Alternatively the erosion of a steep slope might result in a rock fall leaving behind another 'clean slate' for nature to fill up again.
In human settlements, there are many more such opportunities, anywhere that plants can grow they will attempt to do so; on derelict ground, gravel driveways (see above), even in nooks on buildings pioneer plants such as nettles, docks, dandelions, thistles & so on will take hold, followed by bramble & buddleia etc. These create the conditions for pioneer trees like birch & ash to grow & given time the forest would soon return.