PAWS

Woods that are ancient, i.e. those which have been continuously present for at least 400 years, and in some cases much longer, will have arisen naturally and would originally have consisted of native broadleaved tree species.

During the 20th century, a number of ancient woods were felled and replanted with fast-growing non-native conifers, or a mixture of conifers and broadleaves. The effects of clearance with heavy machinery, the dense shade cast by closely-grown conifers, and the smothering effects of layers of conifer needles, have all taken their toll on the communities of ancient woodland plants and animals. But thankfully on most of these Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) many of the elements of the ancient woodland have survived and these need urgent action to build them up again.

Another cycle of felling and replanting could signal the death knell for the ancient woodland wildlife that clings on in remnant populations in these woods. Restoration of these areas to predominantly native broadleaved woodland would enable these populations to stabilise and expand. However, restoration needs to start soon and be carried out gradually, as too much sudden change could also destroy some of the vulnerable species that are left.

Conifer and mixed sites that are classified as Ancient (1 or 2) on the inventory should be a priority for restoration. Sites classified as Ancient (3) or Long-established should be investigated further to determine whether they are suitable candidates.

It should be borne in mind that many woods that arose between 1600 and 1830 were planted as part of landscaping of large estates, often on former farmland. Exotic species may have been planted for aesthetic reasons and in some of these woods there are very fine, well-grown specimens of conifer species that are interesting because of their part in the history of particular estates and landscapes and pose little threat to ancient woodland remnants.

The Woodland Trust has produced guidelines on restoring Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites. Forest Service may also be able to provide advice.