20 JUNE 2008

NEWS RELEASE No: 10702

ANCIENT WOODS CATCHING UP FOR LOST TIME IN YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER Grizzled old oaks will provide a spectacular backdrop to the next stage of work to restore more of the region's precious ancient and native woodland. The Forestry Commission is staging a workshop at Castle Howard, near Malton, North Yorkshire, on 26 June to give land managers chance to comment on proposed new 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 woods are much older by many hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years. Some of the veteran oaks at Castle Howard are medieval in origin, supporting an incredibly rich eco-system of plants, birds and insects. There are around 36,000 acres of ancient woodland in North Yorkshire, but over 21,000 acres 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 bolster 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. Crispin Thorn, Regional Director for the Forestry Commission in Yorkshire, explained: "The Forestry Commission is working to restore 4345 acres of ancient woodland under its management in North Yorkshire, including Kilburn Wood, near Thirsk, and Bishop Wood, near Selby. But 90% of our ancient and native woodland is either in the private sector, or run by charities or local authorities. At Castle Howard we are grant-aiding the estate in an ambitious project to restore a significant area of woodland. This project is a shining example of its kind, so it's fitting we hold this meeting here. It is an opportunity for woodland managers to join the debate on how we protect an important, but fragile habitat." Regionally, the Forestry Commission has earmarked £180,000 in grants to restore 245 acres of ancient and native woodland over a two year period up to next April. This will benefit wildlife and flora. Many woods are also rich in cultural heritage and could be a sustainable source of hardwood timber. Others have potential to be a tourism asset, with business, rural regeneration and employment spin-offs. Crispin Thorn added: "The proposed guidelines point the way to the sustainable use of a key woodland assets. But it's important we remember that a significant proportion of our ancient woodland is under managed. There's much more we could do to tap the benefits, both for conservation and enterprise." Ryedale is North Yorkshire's "hotspot" for ancient woodland. It has over 12,000 acres. Eslewhere, Richmond has 3,300 acres and Hambleton a similar amount. Note to Editor 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 for Yorkshire and the Humber at www.forestry.gov.uk/yorkshireandthehumber ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE FORESTRY COMMISSION BY RICHARD DARN, COI, LEEDS. TEL: 0113 3413178. MOBILE 0775 367 0038.