Ancient woodland is our richest habitat for wildlife and plays host to more than 200 species of conservation concern. But our ancient woods (which have been continuously wooded since at least 1600) are small. Most are less than 5 hectares. They are also increasingly surrounded by intensive land use, which impacts upon them and isolates them from one another and from other wildlife habitats thereby restricting the ability of wildlife to get around.
In order to put our woodland wildlife on a more robust footing in the face of accelerating climate change, the Woodland Trust believes it is vital that habitat creation, including new woodland, is used to buffer and extend wildlife habitats, particularly in areas where there are lots of ancient woods. There is also a need to reduce the intensity of land use on a wider front in order to help wildlife move in response to change. In this context the Trust has developed an array of targets. To find out more why not download Expanding our horizons and Space for nature from our website. Download the PDF here.
The landscapes to which the Woodland Trust aspires would not only put our wildlife on a more self-sustainable footing they would also sustain the lives of people. Trees and woodland not only provide homes for wildlife and give opportunities for recreation, they contribute a wide range of economic and other benefits that add to quality of life, which include: improving air and water quality; storing carbon; helping to stabilise soil; supplying renewable resources; providing shelter; and reducing flood risk.
