Ancient Woodland
Irreplaceable habitat
Ancient woodland is land that has been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD (England/Wales) or 1750 (Scotland). These are irreplaceable ecosystems with unique wildlife and plants found nowhere else.
What This Means
This property is near woodland that's been here for over 400 years. These are Britain's richest wildlife habitats - rarer and more valuable than Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Practical Advice
- Ancient woodland has the highest planning protection
- Development affecting ancient woodland will be refused
- Cannot remove, damage, or disturb ancient woodland
- Even small developments nearby are heavily restricted
- Living near irreplaceable natural heritage
- Enhances property value and quality of life
- National planning policy presumes against development
Key Points
- What it is: Woodland continuously present since 1600 (England) or 1750 (Scotland)
- Why it matters: Irreplaceable - cannot be recreated
- Home to rare species found only in ancient woodland
- Unique soil ecology developed over centuries
- Government policy: development affecting it should be refused
- Only 2.5% of UK is ancient woodland
- Indicators: bluebells, wood anemones, wild service trees
- Cannot be mitigated or compensated - avoidance only option
Additional Information
Ancient woodland is irreplaceable and has the strongest planning protection. Government planning policy states development causing loss or deterioration should be refused.
Data Source: Ancient Woodland Inventory (Natural England, NRW, NatureScot)
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