Plantations on ancient woodland sites PAWS
Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) 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 Woodland Trust defines Plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) as being "ancient woods that have been felled and replanted with non-native species. Typically, these are conifers, but it can also include broadleaved planting such as non-native beech, red oak, and sweet chestnut. Although damaged, they all still have the complex soil of ancient woodland, and all are considered to contain remnants of the woodland specialist species which occurred before."
These types of woodland are often mentioned alongside ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW) as in the NPPF as being considered irreplaceable, high-biodiversity habitats of which organisation the Woodland Trust are working hard to bring back into their former glory. The Wildlife and Countryside Link give further details on PAWs thus "During the 1950s, 60s and 70s, large areas of ancient woodland were felled and replanted with non-native trees, often conifers, in response to a policy drive to become more self-sufficient in timber production. Around 40% of remaining ancient woodland is PAWs, most of which is privately owned. Defra has a new target in their Keepers of Time policy to bring the majority of these damaged and critically at-risk sites into restoration by 2030."
The Policy paper; Keepers of time: ancient and native woodland and trees policy in England published by the UK government 27 May, 2022 describes PAWS as "Ancient woodland sites that have been converted to plantations dominated by non-native tree species. These often retain some remnant features characteristic of ASNW such as ground flora along rides or pre-plantation native trees."
[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
- Ancient woodland.
- 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.
- Sustainably procuring tropical hardwood.
- Timber.
- Tree.
- Tree hazard survey.
- Tree preservation order.
- Trees in conservation areas.
- Types of land.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.