Landowners wanting to restore ancient woodlands now have a guide at their disposal, compiled by the Forestry Commission and the Northern Ireland Forest Service.
Guidance is seen as crucial to encouraging the restoration of the UK’s ancient semi-natural woodlands, nearly 40% of which were converted into pine and spruce plantations between the 1930s and the 1980s.
The guide, produced following extensive consultation, says restoration must be a long-term process. It points out that complete reinstatement of past conditions may not be realistic or desirable because of permanent changes which have taken place.
