Publications

Case study

Tree disease and plantation on ancient woodland sites

A case study on how ancient woodland restoration can proceed following the clear felling necessary to eliminate Phytophthora ramorum, a tree disease of larch.

PDF  (512 KB)

Practical guidance

Recognising and categorising ancient and other veteran trees

Ancient and veteran trees provide irreplaceable benefits to people and wildlife, but they can be difficult to recognise and categorise. Read our guide to confidently and reliably identify these living legends.

PDF  (3.35 MB)

Practical guidance

Practical guidance on restoring your ancient woodland

An introductory summary of training modules by the Woodland Trust for restoring ancient woodland.

PDF  (582 KB)

Case study

Woodland restoration and the fight against tree disease

A case study examining the additional challenges the presence of tree disease can pose when restoring ancient woodland, and the measures required to tackle it.

PDF  (650 KB)

Practical guidance

Ancient and veteran trees: Caring for special trees on farms

This guide helps identify ancient and veteran trees on farming land, and highlights their importance. It provides information on how to protect trees and secure their future.

PDF  (2.28 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration - maximising ecological integrity

Practical guidance on accumulating more old growth characteristics, better space and dynamism, water and air quality, reintroductions and the integrity of wider landscapes.

PDF  (8.97 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient and veteran trees: An Assessment Guide

This guide describes our approach to conserving veteran trees, wherever they are. Covering a series of steps that you can follow as an adviser, advocate, landowner, or manager.

PDF  (4.82 MB)

Position statement

Ancient woodland – the Woodland Trust's position

Ancient woods are irreplaceable, yet they cover just 2% of the UK and are still disappearing. The Woodland Trust believes there should be no further loss.

PDF  (193 KB)

Position statement

Ancient woodland and translocation – the Trust's position

The Woodland Trust reject suggestions that translocation of material from ancient woodland can mitigate loss, damage or destruction of this important habitat.

PDF  (681 KB)

Practical guidance

Assessing ammonia impacts on ancient woodland

A technical advice note on assessing the impact of new developments on nearby ancient woodland in terms of ammonia air pollution and nitrogen deposition.

PDF  (2.08 MB)

Journal

Wood Wise – ancient trees

The spring 2014 issue of Wood Wise looks at the ecology of ancient and veteran trees, the work to identify and protect them, and what the future holds.

PDF  (4.11 MB)

Position statement

Ancient and veteran trees, parkland and wood pasture

The Woodland Trust believes all ancient and veteran trees should be valued and protected. More are also needed to become the ancient trees of the future.

PDF  (610 KB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration management principles 

An introductory guide to ancient woodland restoration management, the value of this special habitat, and why we should protect and restore it.

PDF  (3.21 MB)

Research report

Impacts of nearby development on ancient woodland

A review of the research and evidence available that demonstrates the impacts of nearby development on the ecology of ancient woodland.

PDF  (640 KB)

Practical guidance

Planners' manual for ancient woodland and veteran trees

Practical guidance for planners on embedding ancient woodland and veteran trees in decision making, recognising their value, and avoiding damage from development.

PDF  (3.34 MB)

Case study

Harvesting woodfuel from ancient woodland restoration

A case study demonstrating how ancient woodland owners in Wales have funded restoration work through the Renewable Heat Incentive, using timber for woodfuel.

PDF  (5.11 MB)

Research report

The current state of ancient woodland restoration

A report drawing together evidence on the progress and challenges associated with restoring damaged ancient woodlands across the UK.

PDF  (1.76 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration survey and assessment

Practical guidance on surveying and assessment when restoring ancient woodland, including why we need to assess remnant features, threats, prioritising action and monitoring.

PDF  (3.24 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration – halting further decline

Practical guidance on halting further decline when beginning ancient woodland restoration, including first aid techniques for the most critically threatened areas.

PDF  (4.70 MB)

Case study

Ancient woodland restoration for dormice

Find out how the rare hazel dormouse is benefiting from our groundbreaking restoration techniques in ancient Fingle Woods in Devon.

PDF  (1.51 MB)