Ancient Wood Pasture and Parkland AWPP

Ancient Wood Pasture and Parkland (AWPP) is mentioned in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as an example of an ancient woodland but without definition. It is also listed within the Biodiversity Gain Requirements (Irreplaceable Habitat) Regulations 2024 under its schedule of irreplaceable habitats.

The Wildlife and Countryside Link give further background on AWPPs thus "the majority of concentrations of ancient and veteran trees are found in these habitats which is why ancient wood pasture is of great international significance. These priority habitats, for example Windsor Great Park, Richmond Park and Bradgate Park, have a long history as medieval hunting grounds, medieval deer parks and wooded commons which have been grazed, resulting in a mosaic of habitats and wealth of species10, and resulting in distinctly different management needs to closed canopy ancient woodland"

The Policy paper; Keepers of time: ancient and native woodland and trees policy in England published by the UK government 27 May, 2022 describes AWPPs as " derived from the traditional practice of managing trees in tandem with grazing, characteristically with at least some open grown or pollarded veteran trees or shrubs, old-growth characteristics and diverse and dynamic open and open-wooded habitats."

"Wood pasture and parkland is land that has been managed through grazing. They can be ancient, or of more recent origin, and occur in regions with distinct woodland types, such as Caledonian forest. Some started as medieval hunting forests or wooded commons, and others are the designed landscapes from large estates. They are often perfect for spotting ancient and veteran trees."

"Trees in wood pasture and parkland are often pollarded. This is an ancient form of management where trees are grown within grazed pastures. The crown was regularly cut at around eight feet high, above the browsing height of the stock below. This allowed the land to be used for both grazing and to provide useful material from the trees."

"Wood pasture and parkland sites are often made up of a mixture of habitats, from denser wooded groves to more open areas. Ancient wood pasture and parklands have accumulated the ‘old-growth’ characteristics that are missing from many enclosed woodlands. These include old trees and large pieces of decaying wood. Ancient and veteran trees are full of nooks and crannies, holes and dead and rotting wood. They offer a range of homes for both widespread and very rare species." https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/habitats/wood-pasture-and-parkland/

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