Hearts of oak

Ancient woodland revival is placed at heart of forest policy for England

Lovers of our ancient woodlands got some great news this summer, when the government announced a radical change of emphasis for forestry policy in England. Ravaged by the invasion of conifers in the widespread plantations in the 20th century, ancient woodlands are to have fresh life breathed into them by a felling programme designed to remove millions of conifers and non-native trees over the next 20 years. The plan envisages the gradual replacement of the interlopers by native species, such as oak, ash and beech, which will be allowed to seed and regenerate naturally. More new native woodland will also be created, especially where it can buffer or link the many small fragments of ancient woodland that are spread throughout the country. England has 1.1 million hectares of wood cover, just over a third of which is ancient woodland. The Forestry Commission, which has 53,000 hectares of ancient woodland on its estate, says it intends to lead the way in implementing the new policy. Conifer plantations, and the dense shade they create, haven’t been the only threat to England’s native woods. Because they are often small and fragmented, the native woods have been especially vulnerable to overgrazing by deer and livestock, competition from introduced ‘alien’ species, pollution from agriculture, the effects of climate change, loss to development, poor management and neglect. Nevertheless, they are complex and vibrant ecosystems, says Simon Pryor, who is environment and conservation advisor with Forestry Commission England. “Once we get them in good ecological condition, they are robust and adaptable. This policy therefore includes commitments to foster enterprise in such woodland, such as producing hardwood timber, and to increase the area of woodland that is open for the public to visit and enjoy.” Every year there are 22 million day trips made to visit English woodlands, which also provide renewable resources and employment opportunities, contribute to flood management and the regulation of air and water quality, and contain a wealth of historic features and important wildlife. Rod Leslie, chief executive of Forest Enterprise, which manages the Forestry Commission estate, says that “often it is only a ‘light touch’ that is required to remove or reduce a cause of decline or gradually improve their ecological quality. There is an urgency to begin the process, to turn the tide, but there is no rush to finish; indeed, the wildlife found surviving in these woods, and the visitors to them, will both prefer gradual change.” - Roger East

20 September 2005

Roger East