MENU We restore Ancient woods have rich, irreplaceable ecosystems. But they’ve been damaged by non-native planting and invasive species. We work to restore them to their former glory. Credit: Ross Hoddinott / naturepl.com 2.4% That's how low ancient woodland cover in the UK is. These woods have developed over hundreds of years and rare wildlife relies on them. We work to sensitively restore what is left. 40% That's the percentage of ancient woodlands planted with non-native trees. We gradually remove non-native trees to restore ancient woods to thriving habitats. 34k That's how many hectares of ancient woodland are under restoration. We work with landowners to help them restore ancient woodland on their land. We're bringing ancient woods back to life These rare sites have been continually wooded for 400 years, making them homes to special species that truly rely on them. Many were planted over with non-native trees which damaged their unique biodiversity. We work to slowly and sensitively restore them, and we're always looking to find woods to bring back to life. SUPPORT US Ausewell Wood Ausewell Wood is a wild and rugged woodland in urgent need of restoration. We want to buy this wood to ensure it is kept safe forever. Support the Ausewell Wood appeal More on what makes ancient woods special TREES WOODS AND WILDLIFE Wood anemone An indicator plant of ancient woodland, find out how to identify wood anemone and where to spot it. TREES WOODS AND WILDLIFE Ancient woodland Home to myth and legend, where folk tales began. It fuelled our ancestors and still houses thousands. Ancient woodland has grown and adapted with native wildlife, yet what remains only covers 2.5% of the UK. MORE We're working hard to restore sites Our site managers work to sensitively remove non-native trees to let native species re-establish all over the UK. At sites like Fingle, our case-by-case approach has seen old life flourish and magic restored. VIDEO Restoring Fingle Woods 00:02:17 Dave Rickwood, site manager at Fingle, is working around the clock to carefully restore Fingle Woods and create a precious sanctuary for wildlife. Meet the people behind our work More on our restoration work CASE STUDY Ancient woodland restoration for dormice PDF (1.51 MB) JOURNAL Wood Wise – ancient woodland restoration PDF (1.99 MB) MORE We're working with landowners We give landowners the advice and support to restore the ancient woodland on their land. Not only does this work save rare habitats, but it can also produce income for owners. PROTECTING TREES AND WOODS Restoring ancient woodland Ancient woodland restoration encourages these precious habitats to recover and reverse years of decline. Find out why it's important and what's involved. Explore what we're doing Restoration case studies JOURNAL Wood Wise – ancient woodland restoration PDF (1.99 MB) CASE STUDY Woodland restoration and the fight against tree disease PDF (650 KB) MORE Keep in touch with the nature you love without having to leave the house. Sign up to stay connected Contact us Jobs Press and media Newsletter Publications Accessibility Cookie policy Privacy policy Terms and conditions The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885). A non-profit-making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1982873. Woodland Trust (Enterprises) Limited, registered in England (No. 2296645), is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Woodland Trust. Registered office: Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL. The Woodland Trust and Woodland Trust Nature Detectives logos are registered trademarks. Images © protected Woodland Trust. VAT No. GB520 6111 04.