Publications

Case study

Tree disease and plantation on ancient woodland sites

A case study on how ancient woodland restoration can proceed following the clear felling necessary to eliminate Phytophthora ramorum, a tree disease of larch.

PDF  (512 KB)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 1 – trees and farming

A guide to the effects of farming on ancient trees, their value to wildlife, and the simple measures that can help prevent damage and premature death.

PDF  (775 KB)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 7 – trees for the future

A guide to establishing and protecting the next generation of trees, allowing them to develop fully and become the ancient trees of the future.

PDF  (2.19 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 5 – trees and climate change

A guide to the effects of climate change on ancient trees, and the measures that can be taken to improve their resilience and prolong their life.

PDF  (2.04 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 8 – trees and events

A guide to planning events with ancient trees in mind, with advice on avoiding root compaction and other damage from parking, high footfall and other activity.

PDF  (1.29 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 3 – trees and development

A good practice guide to retaining and protecting ancient and veteran trees in new developments, and recognising them as valuable assets.

PDF  (1.26 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 2 – ancient trees in historic parks and landscape gardens

A guide to conserving ancient trees in historic settings, including managing surroundings, evaluating dying trees and renewing designs with replacement trees.

PDF  (1.68 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 6 – the special wildlife of trees

A guide to the wildlife supported by ancient and veteran trees. Many such species are rare and declining, relying on deadwood to complete their lifecycles.

PDF  (1.70 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient tree guide 4 - trees of special interest

Trees may be special because of their age, large size, or link with important historical events. Here’s how to recognise and identify ancient and veteran trees.

PDF  (1.40 MB)

Practical guidance

Practical guidance on restoring your ancient woodland

An introductory summary of training modules by the Woodland Trust for restoring ancient woodland.

PDF  (582 KB)

Case study

Woodland restoration and the fight against tree disease

A case study examining the additional challenges the presence of tree disease can pose when restoring ancient woodland, and the measures required to tackle it.

PDF  (650 KB)

Practical guidance

Ancient and veteran trees: Caring for special trees on farms

This guide helps identify ancient and veteran trees on farming land, and highlights their importance. It provides information on how to protect trees and secure their future.

PDF  (2.28 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration - maximising ecological integrity

Practical guidance on accumulating more old growth characteristics, better space and dynamism, water and air quality, reintroductions and the integrity of wider landscapes.

PDF  (8.97 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient and veteran trees: An Assessment Guide

This guide describes our approach to conserving veteran trees, wherever they are. Covering a series of steps that you can follow as an adviser, advocate, landowner, or manager.

PDF  (4.82 MB)

Position statement

Ancient woodland – the Woodland Trust's position

Ancient woods are irreplaceable, yet they cover just 2% of the UK and are still disappearing. The Woodland Trust believes there should be no further loss.

PDF  (193 KB)

Journal

Wood Wise – ancient trees

The spring 2014 issue of Wood Wise looks at the ecology of ancient and veteran trees, the work to identify and protect them, and what the future holds.

PDF  (4.11 MB)

Position statement

Ancient woodland and translocation – the Trust's position

The Woodland Trust reject suggestions that translocation of material from ancient woodland can mitigate loss, damage or destruction of this important habitat.

PDF  (681 KB)

Practical guidance

Assessing ammonia impacts on ancient woodland

A technical advice note on assessing the impact of new developments on nearby ancient woodland in terms of ammonia air pollution and nitrogen deposition.

PDF  (2.08 MB)

Practical guidance

Ancient woodland restoration management principles 

An introductory guide to ancient woodland restoration management, the value of this special habitat, and why we should protect and restore it.

PDF  (3.21 MB)

Research report

Impacts of nearby development on ancient woodland

A review of the research and evidence available that demonstrates the impacts of nearby development on the ecology of ancient woodland.

PDF  (640 KB)