Sunlight shining through a woodland of tall straight trees.

Ancient Woodland

It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether woodland today was a wooded area during the Roman period (AD 43–c.410). Archaeologists believe that much of the land had already been cleared for farming. In some places the land had probably been cleared since the Bronze Age (2300–800 BC).

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A collection of straight, tall trees with long green grass and bluebells growing in front of them.

Bluebells are often found in ancient woodlands.

What makes a woodland ancient?

Woodlands were not considered places to enjoy in the past as they are now. They were a valuable resource. Ancient woodland are woods which have been continuously wooded since 1600. Many date to the Middle Ages or even earlier. Bluebells are one of the signs that a wood might be ancient.

A large tree stump within a wooded area.

Trees were, and continue to be, a valuable resource.

How did people manage woodland?

Woodlands were mainly managed by coppicing. Coppicing is a way of harvesting a tree by regularly cutting it down to ground level. The cut timber can be used for fuel or in building or to make things like tools, baskets and more. The tree re-grows from the stump or stool. A crop can be taken from a woodland for many years without the need for replanting. There is also some evidence of pollarding. This is when a tree is cut 2-3 metres above ground level.