Research on planted ancient woodland sites
The key findings of research carried out by the Oxford Forest Institute (OFI) into Planted Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) and their restoration were that most sites retain elements of their previous semi-natural ancient woodland ecosystem.
The best way to make the most of these remnants is to change the woodland canopy structure gradually, rather than removing non-native tree species in one go, which has been the most common approach in the past. So, it's preferable to concentrate on the conservation of ancient woodland features rather than conversion to native woodland.
We have combined this research with our own experience to produce a short guide for woodland owners and managers entitled 'The conservation and restoration of plantations on ancient woodland sites'. For those landowners interested in Forest Stewardship Council certification the approach outlined should help them in complying with the PAWS section of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS).
The OFI also carried out research and produced reports on the extent of the PAWS resource and the economics of restoration entitled: The area and composition of plantations on ancient woodland sites and The cost of restoring plantations on ancient woodland sites.
We are currently re-running the site surveys that formed a major element of the OFI's original research work.
We hope this will show how remnants that were present in 2001 have responded to various types of management. The results of this should be available in late 2009.
The Forestry Commission is also carrying out research on PAWS and the following web pages contain their latest information: Restoration of lowland plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) and the Restoration of upland planted ancient woodland sites (PAWS).