Ancient woodland

[edit] Introduction

Ancient woodlands are areas that have been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD (1750 in Scotland). They are the primary woodlands with wildlife communities, structure and soils that have been modified the least. Ancient woodland contains a diverse number of species and is considered to be a historic part of our landscape which is irreplaceable.

The National Planning Policy Framework which was revised in December 2025 includes a glossary which defines Ancient woodland as "An area that has been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD. It includes ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW), plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS), ancient wood pasture and parkland (AWPP) and infilled ancient wood pasture and parkland (IAWPP)." Ancient woodlands in their various types are also listed within the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Irreplaceable Habitat) Regulations 2024 under its schedule of irreplaceable habitats, all of which have a relationship with and thus can be impacted by Invasive non-native species .

The National Planning Policy Framework was published in March 2012, with revisions in July 2018, February 2019, July 2021, September 2023, 2024 and finally most recently in December 2025.

[edit] Features and processes

Ancient woodland is typically composed of:

• Vegetation layers (canopy, understorey, field and ground).
• Irregular canopy structure.
• Veteran trees.
• Large amounts of dead wood (standing and fallen).
• Undisturbed soils.
• Sustained natural regeneration in gaps.

Dead and decaying wood is a major part of ancient woodlands supporting a range of specialist invertebrates, fungi, epiphytic lichens, mammals and birds.

Ancient woodland and its associated soil have been shaped over centuries by the interaction of natural disturbance, local climatic conditions and soil conditions, solar radiation, temperature, atmospheric moisture and nutrient cycling.

[edit] Developments

Local planning authorities are advised to conserve and enhance biodiversity. In particular, in relation to ancient woodlands, harm should be avoided wherever possible and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states:

‘...planning permission should be refused for developments resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland...unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss’.

Developments can affect ancient woodland directly through the loss of trees or damage to the root systems and soils, or through pollution incidents or changes to the woodland’s drainage or water table.

[edit] Threats

In January 2019, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) reported that just 2% of land in the UK is covered by ancient woodland and that they are threatened by the cumulative effects of inappropriate developments on their fringe as much as by permanent loss and damage.

Government guidance recommends that local authorities should refuse permission for developments that result in the loss of ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees except in exceptional cases. However, ancient woodland is not a formal statutory designation, and the evidence used to designate a site as ancient woodland could still be open to challenge by developers and other parties.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• 11 things you didn't know about wood.
• Ancient tree.
• Ancient semi-natural woodland
• Ancient Wood Pasture and Parkland
• Bats.
• Biodiversity.
• Chain of custody.
• Definition of tree for planning purposes.
• Designated sites.
• Forest ownership.
• Forest Stewardship Council.
• Forests.
• Infilled ancient wood pasture and parkland.
• National nature reserves.
• National parks.
• National Planning Policy Framework.
• Permission for felling or lopping a tree.
• Plantations on ancient woodland sites
• Sustainably procuring tropical hardwood.
• Timber.
• Tree.
• Tree hazard survey.
• Tree preservation order.
• Trees in conservation areas.
• Types of land.