Conifer planting in Britain’s ancient woodlands has left wildlife in the “last chance saloon”, according to a new report by the Woodland Trust.
The report – Reclaiming our Forgotten Inheritance – says plants, animals and fungi in one-third of the woods may disappear unless urgent action is taken by the Forestry Commission to adopt a policy of restocking all conifer-planted ancient woodland sites with native species.
Based on research led by Oxford University’s Forestry Institute, the report warns that in 10 years most conifers in ancient woodland sites will reach economic maturity. If more conifers are planted after felling, wildlife dependent on ancient woodlands will not survive.
