What is ancient woodland?
Q: What is ancient woodland?
A: Ancient woodland is woodland that has existed continuously since 1600 or before in England and Wales (or 1750 in Scotland).
Q: Is planting of new woodland common before 1600?
A: No, planting of new woodland was uncommon before 1600.
Q: What is the American name for ancient woodland?
A: The American name for ancient woodland is "old growth forest".
Q: Why are ancient woodland sites important for many species of animal and plant?
A: For many species of animal and plant, ancient woodland sites provide the only habitat.
Q: How do conditions in ancient woodland sites compare to those on other sites?
A: Conditions on ancient woodland sites are often much more suitable than those on other sites for many species of animal and plant.
Q: What kind of species is ancient woodland home to?
A: Ancient woodland in the UK is home to rare and threatened species, more than any other UK habitat.
Q: Is every ancient woodland protected?
A: No, although many ancient woodlands have legal protection, an ancient woodland is not automatically protected.
