Rare, fragile and irreplaceable. Our precious ancient woods have been around for centuries - long enough to develop into rich and complex ecosystems.

Ancient woodland is home to some of our most beautiful wildlife, such as bluebells, wood anemone and rare fungi. These woods are living history books and the backbone of many myths and legends. But they are under threat.

2.5%

Ancient woodland now only covers 2.5% of the UK

Much of what remains has been damaged by planting with non-native conifers or colonisation by invasive species - such as rhododendron.

We are at the forefront of ancient woodland restoration and have been championing a new approach to this vital work. By gradually removing conifers from these plantations and allowing light to penetrate the woodland canopy, we are encouraging the former native woodland species and habitats to recover and re-colonise the woods.

£15.1 million

Spent last year alone on ancient woodland restoration.

And we'll need more if we're to achieve our vision in the coming years.

38,000

Hectares of ancient woodland currently under restoration.

That's in our own woods as well as in the care of other landowners we work with.

Support this important work

Our vision is to breathe life back into all of the UK’s damaged and threatened ancient woodland ecosystems so that they will once again become valued by people, a refuge for wildlife and a part of resilient landscapes fit for the 21st century and beyond.

We have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rescue these remaining fragments of our natural heritage.

But we can't do it without you.

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