As a rule of thumb the longer a tree has been here, the more species are dependent on it - which is why native trees are so important in supporting biodiversity in the UK. Before early Iron Age clearances the dominant habitat here was wildwood, which by around 1200 had become much reduced woodland, much of it intensively but sympathetically managed in a familiar rural landscape (for the best account read Oliver Rackham's Trees and Woodland in the British Landscape).
Over more recent history different species have become threatened as ancient woodland continues to come under pressure from development. Some, like the Black Poplar have fallen victim to changing land use. Others are threatened by disease, climate change, or fashion. Although we’ve suggested what grows best where, look around your area to see what’s growing well before buying - practice often contradicts theory.
If you are interested in large scale habitat creation we can offer you an advisory service, including habitat surveys and management plans.
Over more recent history different species have become threatened as ancient woodland continues to come under pressure from development. Some, like the Black Poplar have fallen victim to changing land use. Others are threatened by disease, climate change, or fashion. Although we’ve suggested what grows best where, look around your area to see what’s growing well before buying - practice often contradicts theory.
If you are interested in large scale habitat creation we can offer you an advisory service, including habitat surveys and management plans.
