Grazing

Some grazing by wild animals in woodland is beneficial in terms of creating diversity and increasing opportunities for regeneration, but too much grazing is damaging. Grazing, especially by sheep, can be very damaging to the characteristic ground flora of ancient woods, and browsing by cattle can also damage trees. For the majority of ancient and long-established woods, it is beneficial to ensure that the wood is fenced against cattle and sheep.

However, some ancient and long-established woodland areas have traditionally been managed as wood pasture and parkland, and in these cases, a low level of controlled grazing should benefit the habitat. Grants available under agri-environment schemes administered by DARD also cover wood pasture.