A Northumberland beauty spot will provide the spectacular setting for the next stage of work to restore more of the region’s precious ancient and native woodland.

The Forestry Commission staged a workshop at Allen Banks, Ridley Hall, Bardon Mill, on Friday (20 June) to give land managers a chance to comment on proposed new national guidelines on protecting this priceless resource.

Ancient woods are defined as those marked on the earliest reliable maps, which date to the early 1600s. In reality many of these are much older by hundreds, or perhaps even thousands of years. The oaks, ash and other native trees at Allen Banks support a rich eco-system of plants, birds and insects, forming part of the largest area of ancient woodland in the North Pennines AONB. A long-term project is underway by the National Trust to restore this habitat, supported by Forestry Commission grants.

The North East has 30,000 acres of ancient woodland - but about one third has been re-planted to varying degrees by non-native trees and conifers like pines, spruce and larch. Mostly this occurred in the 20th century in the rapid push to expand the nation’s depleted timber reserves, drained after two world wars. However, since then priorities have changed and conservation is now at the top of the tree. Brendan Callaghan, Regional Director for the Forestry Commission in the North East, explained:

“Ancient woodlands represent one of our greatest ecological assets. It is a precious habitat developed over many hundreds of years. The proposed guidelines point the way to sustainably managing and tapping this resource. About two thirds of our ancient woods are probably under managed, capable of generating additional benefits for conservation, rural regeneration and enterprise. We are keen that woodland managers in the region get their say on the way forward.”

Last year the Forestry Commission earmarked £46,000 in grants to restore 26 acres of ancient and native woodland in the region. One of the largest restoration projects in the North East is now underway at 375-acre Holystone, near Rothbury. The Forestry Commission is removing conifers to give a new lease of life to ancient oaks, allowing light to reach the forest floor to promote regeneration and invigorate flora.

If you would like to attend the Allen Banks workshop contact Lucy Philips on 01669 621591 . Places are limited. The event is aimed at woodland managers and forestry practitioners.

Note to Editor

Last year the results of a three study were published revealing that action is required to improve ancient woods in Northumberland, more than half of which were found to be in a poor condition. The North East has 30,000 acres of ancient woodland, equivalent to just over 1% of the region’s land area. That's the lowest figure in England. The South East has 325,000 acres, more than ten times the area of ancient woodland, covering 7% of their land area. The study, the first of its kind in England, undertaken by the Forestry Commission on behalf of the Northumberland Native Woodland Partnership, assessed all 665 ancient woodlands in the county and 45 of the most important woodlands across the whole of the North East of England.

The Consultation document 'Managing Ancient and Native Woodland - England Practice Guide' is available online http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-7f3ben. Hard copies are available from the Forestry Commission on 0117 906 6000. The consultation period closes on 22 August 2008.The guide is aimed at experienced practitioners and outlines the types of management which will ensure the protection and enhancement of ancient and native woodlands and the many benefits they provide. It translates the principles in Keepers of Time, the Government’s policy on Ancient and Native Woodland, into practical action on the ground, it does not include the detailed background and rationale and should be read in conjunction with the Policy.

The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at new Forestry Commission website at www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland

Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351, mobile 0775 367 0038.