Ancient Woodland

Woodland FernsAncient woodland is now very rare, covering less than 1% of the National Park. The remaining fragments are small but important habitats. Much effort has gone into saving the last of these ancient woodlands and now the vast majority are in conservation management. Most of the woodland can be found along river banks or upland burns and cleughs, where felling and grazing are difficult. As well as being attractive landscape features, ancient woodlans are home to a multitude of species. The potential to re-establish such woodland is very high and has prompted initiatives to extend it by natural regeneration and new planting. Such 'new native woodland' is now very much a conservation priority to ensure there are woodlands for future generations to visit.

Positive action for ancient woodlands

Hareshaw WoodsA healthy woodland contains trees of all ages so that seedlings can replace older trees as they die. If a woodland is grazed by sheep, deer or goats, these seedlings are eaten before they can grow. Ancient woodlands can be protected by fencing them off and finding ways of allowing new seedlings and young trees to flourish. The National Park Authority enters into management agreements with owners of important woodlands to make this happen.

Planting new native woodland

The ancient woodland that once covered the UK was nearly all chopped down in the past as humans cleared the land and used the timber. We now recognise the beauty and value for wildlife, and so in Northumberland National Park, new woodlands are being planted with a mixture of native species. We are helping landowners to decide where to put these new native woodlands and are advising on the grants available to help pay for it.   More details about the woodland habitat, as well as threats and positive actions to improve it, can be found by downloading the Habitat Action Plan: Woodland - 33kb

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