Historical research

Historical research was carried out for all 2,617 sites that were found to be continuously present from the First Edition Ordnance Survey maps of 1830-44 to the most recent mapping of the 1960s and 1970s. Because of the scale of this task, and time limitations, research had to focus on sources that were relatively accessible.

The aim was to show continuity of woodland throughout the period between 1600 and 1830, or else to show a definite break in continuity. This meant that where possible sources from all three centuries, the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries were consulted.

If you are planning to carry out your own research into the history of a wood, then the information on these pages will be a useful guide, though see also our tips on carrying out such research.