Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland

Ancient Replanted Woodland - Osborne House, Isle of Wight. This Ancient Replanted Woodland at Osborne House shows some of the characteristic ground flora of an Ancient Semi Natural Woodland © Nigel Corrie Ancient semi-natural woodlands (ASNWs) are woods that have persisted in the landscape since the Middle Ages, from a date of approximately 1600AD and continuity of a woodland on a site since around this date determines whether it is classed as ancient.

ASNW is an important part of our natural heritage, as such areas usually contain a diverse array of animal and plant species, many of which are unique to such sites and which also represent the remaining link to the original 'wildwoods', which once covered most of England. Consequently the variety of woodland structure may be diverse and might incorporate pockets of species rich heathland, grassland and marsh within the overall area of woodland.

Access further information on ASNW and English Nature's ASNW Inventory at English Nature's Ancient Woodlands website and www.magic.gov.uk.

Ian D Rotherham, Mel Jones, Lindy Smith and Christine Handley (editors) (2007) The Woodland heritage Manual. A volunteer’s guide to investigating ANCIENT Semi-Natural Woodlands in England. Sheffield: Wildtrack Publishing