Cheshire’s Ancient Woodland Inventory Update (AWIU)

What is ancient woodland?

Ancient woodland is woodland that has been wooded since 1600 AD. These are irreplaceable habitats that are important for wildlife, soils, carbon capture and storage, as well as recreation, health and wellbeing, and cultural and historical values. There are two distinct types of ancient woodland:

• Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) – these are woodlands that have and continue to exist usually through natural regeneration. Some management of these woodlands including periodic felling and coppicing is likely to have occurred.
• Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) – are woodlands which have at some point been cleared and replanted with broadleaved or coniferous species, but many of the features of ancient woodland, including the ground flora, undisturbed soil and archaeological features have remained.

Ancient woodlands can be identified through map evidence, archaeological features and the botanical community present in the woodland, and many, but not all contain veteran and ancient trees

What is the Ancient Woodland Inventory?

The original Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) was originally published in 1988 by the Nature Conservancy Council. It identified and designated 244 sites of ancient woodland across Cheshire covering 1,681 hectares (excluding Halton). This was done prior to computer mapping but has since been digitised with amendments periodically being made.

Why does it need updating?

Since the creation of the original inventory, we have access to a greater number of resources and improved technology, meaning that previously unknown and currently undesignated areas of ancient woodland can be identified, designated and protected.

There have been changes to the requirements of the original inventory, one being the minimum size of a woodland. Previously this was 2 hectares however now any woodland greater than 0.25 hectares can be included, meaning that smaller fragmented, but still extremely important, woodlands can be included in the inventory.

Another difference is the addition of Wood Pasture and Parkland (WPP) habitats. Due to the low tree density these areas were not always shown as woodland on historical maps, however with a greater understanding of these habitats and their importance, as well as the ability to identify them, these too are being included on the updated AWI.

The process of updating the inventory is being completed for all counties across England, helping to protect these irreplaceable habitats.

What are we doing?

Phase 1 involved analysing map evidence across Cheshire to identify Long Established Woodlands (LEW). These are woodlands which are present on Epoch 1 maps and recent aerials. In Phase 2 these LEW were compared against the current AWI and woodlands which are LEW but not previously designated were identified as being potential ancient woodlands.

We are currently in the process of completing Phase 3 of the project, which involves analysing the woodlands highlighted in Phase 2 as being potentially ancient. This involves looking at a larger number of historical maps and collecting any other historical or present-day evidence to indicate their ancientness.

This phase will involve surveying many of these woodlands, looking at the flora present to identify if the community composition is indicative of an ancient woodland. Species we are looking for include carpets of native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Ramsons (Allium ursium) or Wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) as well as rarer species including Herb paris (Paris quadrifolia) and Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria).

Archaeological features which may indicate disturbance as well as evidence of management will also be looked for, helping to build an evidence base for or against designation as an ancient woodland.

Can I help with the project?

We are currently looking for volunteers to help out with the project. There are two volunteer roles available:

Botanical Survey Volunteers

• We have many woodlands which are present on historical maps, but which we do not have any botanical data for. Surveying these woodlands will provide us with botanical information on whether these woodlands contain species which are indicative and associated with ancient woodland. We are seeking volunteers to conduct some of these surveys.
• An AWIU botanical survey guide and Ancient Woodland Indicator Species guide will be provided to help you with surveying these woodlands.
• This role is only suitable for those who are confident in their woodland plant ID skills and can allocate plenty of time for each survey. Those interested in building their ID skills are welcome to sign up for this role, but we cannot guarantee personalised guidance/tutoring.

If you are interested in this role and would like more information, or would like to sign up for this role please click here.

Photographic Volunteers

• We have some woodland sites where we have some evidence to suggest that these sites may be ancient through their presence on historical maps and previously collected botanical data, but need a little bit more information to confirm that they are ancient. This role will involve visiting these woodlands and taking photographs of different features in the woodland which will help us to assess whether they are ancient or not.
• An AWIU photographic volunteer guide will be provided to you which will highlight the features we are looking for within these woodlands
• This role is best for our more casual recorders or for those who don’t have the time to do full botanical surveys. As the role is more structure-focused, botanical skills are not required, but testing and recording your knowledge of ancient woodland indicators is encouraged!
• You do not have to be an expert photographer - photos taken on your phone camera will be just as useful as those taken on more professional devices.

As this is a more informal role, you don't need to officially apply for this role in the same way as the botanical volunteer role, instead if you are interested in this role please email for details of how to get involved: AWIU_Cheshire@record-lrc.co.uk.

What if I know of an Ancient Woodland near me?

The locations of currently designated ancient woodland across England can be seen by going to Magic and selecting the ancient woodland layer which can be found under the Habitats and Species, Habitats and Woodland section of the MagicMap website.

If you know of any woodlands within our area which you think may be ancient and are not currently designated, please let us know at AWIU_Cheshire@record-lrc.co.uk.

How can I find out more?

Please visit the Woodland Trust website for more information on Ancient Woodland and Wood Pasture and Parkland. If you have any questions about the project you can get in touch with us via AWIU_Cheshire@record-lrc.co.uk.

References

• Issac, D. & Reid, C. (1997) Amendments to the Ancient Woodland Inventory for England. English Nature Research Reports No. 222. English Nature.
• Natural England and Forestry Commission (2022) Ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees: advice for making planning decisions. Ancient woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees: advice for making planning decisions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) [Accessed 27/11/2023]
• SANSUM, P. & BANNISTER, N.R. (2018) A Handbook for updating the Ancient Woodland Inventory for England. Natural England Commissioned Reports NECR248

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