Let’s talk about ancient woodland. Not just old trees—ancient. These are the scrappy, magical pockets of nature that have been doing their thing for hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of years. They’ve survived monarchs, industrial revolutions, and more than a few bad landscaping decisions.
So, what exactly is ancient woodland?
According to the National Planning Policy Framework, ancient woodland is any area that has been continuously wooded since at least 1600.
There are four types of ancient woodland. Let’s break them down:
Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW): These areas are characterised by native trees and shrubs that have naturally regenerated without human intervention, establishing themselves in a self-sustaining manner.
Restored Ancient Woodland Sites (RAWS): These woodlands have bounced back with human intervention. Generally, RAWS were made up of less than 50% native broadleaf, having suffered conversion to plantations where non-native conifers muscled in. Now they’ve got their broadleaf mojo back (over 50%, to be exact).
Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS): Once glorious native woods are now packed with non-native plantation trees. Still ancient underneath but in need of a rescue.
Ancient Woodland Site of Unknown Category (AWSU): Basically, we know it’s ancient—but beyond that, it’s a bit of a mystery. It could be any one of the above categories. Think of it as woodland in a wardrobe crisis.
England has around 340,000 hectares of ancient woodland. Sounds like a lot? It’s 0.02% of the land. That’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it slice of green in a sea of grey.
What’s Protect Earth doing about it?
Short answer: everything we can.
We’re part of a growing movement of people who believe ancient woodlands aren’t just nice to have—they’re non-negotiable. Alongside scientists, campaigners, and communities across the UK, we’re advocating and working to protect, restore, and extend these rare ecosystems.
Protect Earth was featured in a film by Wood for the Trees—a beautifully shot documentary that makes a strong case for the future of UK woodlands.
Sponsor a Square Metre of Ancient Woodland
But talking only goes so far. That’s why we’ve launched our Sponsor a Square Metre initiative. It’s simple: make a one-off or monthly donation, and your support will go directly to restoring or expanding ancient woodlands where Protect Earth is the land’s caretaker.
Take High Wood, for example. It’s a true ancient woodland, but one that’s been through the wars (or, RAWS more accurately) —sections were cleared and turned into plantations in the 20th century. Our mission is to undo the damage, let nature breathe, and allow the ancient roots to rise again.
We’re on the cusp of buying another parcel of land that borders existing ancient woodland. Once it’s ours, we’ll give nature the space, time, and gentle encouragement it needs to spill out, regenerate, and reclaim its ground.
Because ancient woodland doesn’t need to be reinvented. It just needs room to grow. Help us and sponsor ancient woodland restoration.