Background

The importance of ancient woodland has long been recognised in England, Scotland and Wales, where inventories of ancient woodland were produced 20 years ago. These inventories are now an important tool for conservationists, planners and foresters.

The value placed on ancient woodland is reflected in policies in Britain. Ancient woodland is an indicator in the UK Sustainable Development Strategy and its importance is recognised in forestry strategies for England, Scotland and Wales, and in national planning guidance in all three countries.

In Northern Ireland, the importance of ancient woodland is beginning to be recognised, for instance in the NI Biodiversity Strategy and the NI Sustainable Development Strategy. However, ancient woods are much scarcer in Northern Ireland, and still under significant threat, since protection here is much weaker.

The Woodland Trust sees development of an inventory as the vital first step in safeguarding Northern Ireland’s precious ancient woodland.