Woodland Trust

Safeguarding the UK’s Ancient Woodlands

Ancient woodland is one of the UK’s most precious natural habitats, shaped over hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. It supports extraordinary levels of biodiversity and is home to some of our richest native wildlife.

Today, ancient woodland covers just 2.5% of the UK, and what remains is increasingly under threat. Around half has been cleared and replanted with dense, non-native plantations. Others face damage from invasive species, intensive grazing and neglect. Once lost, ancient woodland cannot be recreated, making its protection and restoration urgent.

Illustration of a woman walking through a forest, pausing to admire a large tree wrapped in vines and mushrooms, surrounded by sunlit foliage and wildflowers.

Illustration of a child and adult walking together through a vibrant forest, surrounded by tall trees, wildflowers, and lush greenery, capturing a peaceful moment in nature

Illustration of a woman digging in a dense forest clearing, surrounded by large trees, thick green foliage, and soft sunlight filtering through the canopy.

Illustration of a child in yellow boots pointing at a stag beetle on a forest floor, surrounded by leaves, acorns, flowers, and animal tracks in soft sunlight.

Restoring What Time Built

We partnered with Cumbria Woodlands and The Woodland Trust to create an animation promoting their new Ancient Woodland Restoration training course. The goal was to raise awareness, encourage action, and support the recovery of these rare and irreplaceable habitats.

The animation explains how restoration can reverse years of decline, helping native trees, plants and wildlife return. Once critical features are stabilised, the focus shifts to long-term resilience, strengthening entire ecosystems so they can thrive and evolve as dynamic, self-sustaining woodlands for generations to come.

Illustration of a peaceful forest clearing with several deer grazing and walking among tall trees, framed by vibrant purple flowers in the foreground.