Water of Leith Conservation Trust to help look after Colinton Dell, a beautiful area of ancient woodland along the river. (The photo above shows the orchid meadow surrounded by trees.)
Ancient woodland is defined as woodland that has been continuously wooded since 1600 (1750 in Scotland). Before those dates, planting of new woodland was uncommon, so a wood present in those years was likely to have developed naturally. The ancient woodlands of the UK are our oldest native woods and contain our oldest and most impressive trees.
They are our richest land-based wildlife habitats but have, in their own right, no legal protection against inappropriate development or poor management.
The Woodland Trust works to protect the UK's forests and woodlands and has launched a new campaign to ensure that our ancient woodlands are given more protection so that they can flourish into the future and continue to offer homes for wildlife and enjoyment for people.
You can find out about this new campaign here.
One specific area of ancient woodland that is threatened with inappropriate development is Smithy Wood, near Sheffield. Local developers want to destroy this wildlife rich area of ancient woodland to build a motorway service station. You can find out more here.
Ancient woodlands are too valuable to let them be destroyed. These special places need proper protection - now.