While it is convenient to think of different parts of the landscape such as woods or open ground as distinct categories, reality is less tidy.
Recognising this can be important to the management of ancient woods in three key ways:
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Ancient woodland features outside woods – These may be relicts or ‘ghosts’ from former woods, or areas of wood pasture and parkland with open-grown ancient trees, developed over centuries in their own right. In either case they are of value, and should be recognised and protected.
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Open habitats inside old woods – Ancient woods frequently contain valuable rides, glades and ponds which are important in themselves and are often relicts of other long-established semi-natural habitats such as meadows and heaths. Opportunities should be taken to incorporate their protection into woodland management.
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The effects of adjacent land use – The management of adjacent land, particularly agricultural land, can have a critical effect on ancient woodland features. Wherever possible, management should be planned to take into consideration the sensitivities (and potential benefits) of features in adjacent land.