Ancient woodland is one of our richest wildlife habitats. It's scarce and irreplaceable, covering less than 2 per cent of the UK.
Yet, many ancient woods have been planted with non-native conifers to supply much needed timber for industry. These plantations on ancient woodland sites or PAWS.
Many of these plantations on ancient woodland still have some surving elements of the previous native woodland ecosystem.
Remnants of ancient woodland features like old native broadleaved trees, woodland specialist flora like bluebells and dog’s mercury and important habitat like deadwood can be still be found.
Research shows that most of the conifers planted on ancient woodland sites will reach maturity in the near future. If they are felled and replaced with more conifers, the ancient woodland remnants may not survive a second. We want to see the active conservation management of all ancient woods planted with non-native conifers as a priority.
Restoration needs to be carried out sensitively and gradually to bring these valuable woods back to life.
And this work needs to begin urgently!
Don'f forget to sign our petition that calls for better protection and restortaion of woods.
Bluebells in Wentwood with fallen deadwood
Please sign our petition!
We are calling for the restoration of PAWS on the public forest estate in England before any further sites are sold.
What's the big deal?
The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885).A non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1982873.Registered office: Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL.The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark.Contact us | FAQs | E-newsletter | Privacy & cookie policy | Accessibility | DDA | Images © protected Woodland Trust