Forestry chiefs take growing interest in owners of nation's ancient woodlands

The success of the grant scheme aiming to help to get ancient woods in Yorkshire in the private sector into good condition was underlined yesterday by the start of restoration of another 187 acres of Boltby South Wood, near Thirsk.

The Forestry Commission has linked up with partners including the North York Moors National Park to revitalise part of the ancient woodland which could date back thousands of years. Forestry Commission officials say no one really knows for sure who owns all the woodlands of Yorkshire, even though much of it is in the hands of local authorities.

Some woodlands predate the production of reliable maps in the 1600s and may have existed since the end of the last Ice Age, and been extensively harvested since the Bronze Age onwards.

There is no central database of ownership. Officials hope raising the profile of where the woods are will persuade many of the unknown owners to come forward, encourage by funding available for upkeep.

Although many native sites were planted with conifers, once these trees are removed flora such as bluebells and wood anemone soon recover.

The work at Boltby South Wood will take nine months and involves the axing of over 25,000 trees. In their place a vibrant mix of native species such as rowan, oak, ash and birch will take root through natural regeneration.

Harvesting and operations forester Jon Bates said: "Commercial harvesting of conifer trees remains crucial to Britain's economy and to creating a more sustainable future.

"But these days conservation goals are also key and ancient woods are amongst the most valuable of all habitats for plants, insects and birds."