Without management, woodlands may become over-shaded and lack the diversity needed to support our plants, animals and fungi.

Natural processes can be reinstated that can do this management for us, or management can be done actively by people. A combination of both may be used. Active management of woodlands and trees, for example for timber, still offers significant opportunities for nature conservation and enhancement.

The Peak District has five special woodland habitat types - upland mixed ashwoods, upland oakwood, wet woodland, parkland and lowland mixed deciduous woods.

The Peak District has just over 2,000 hectares of irreplaceable ancient woodlands, which are especially important for their wildlife. Old, veteran and ancient trees support a huge variety of life, so we need to think about the next generation and what will replace them.

Woodlands that are best for wildlife have a range of tree and shrub species of different ages and sizes, plus a diverse ground flora, with standing and fallen dead wood and open spaces such as glades or rides.

The UK Forestry Standard (opens new window) outlines sustainable forest management for land predominantly covered in trees (at least 20% canopy cover). Others, such as the Woodland Trust (opens new window), also have extensive guidance on options for managing individual woodlands.

For nature

• Ancient woodlands are irreplaceable, each having evolved a unique community of plants, animals and fungi. They are reservoirs of genetic diversity, with local adaptations to each site. Protecting and managing these rich wildlife refuges ensures we do not lose what we can’t get back.
• A diverse range of trees, shrubs and ground flora will support the widest range of species. Some species are specialist, relying on mature ash or oak for example, and some need different plants at different stages of their lives.
• Old or veteran trees, and dead or dying trees provide an essential habitat for a range of rare invertebrates, bats and birds.
• Integrating trees and woodland with complementary habitats such as flower-rich grasslands and wetlands is important for many species.
• Grazing livestock, whilst not always appropriate, can be carefully incorporated into the management of a woodland to create varied ground conditions that can allow natural regeneration.
• Open glades provide habitat for woodland butterflies, which have declined significantly since 1990 (opens new window).
• Allowing hedgerows to flower and produce berries provides an almost year round food source for many species.
• Many of our old and veteran trees are found along old boundary lines, and provide for a wide range of wildlife.

(c) John Hall - a pale Speckled wood, spotted near Sheffield

What else can management of trees and woodlands deliver?

• The 2021 State of the UK’s Woods and Trees (opens new window) report reveals ancient and long-established woodlands store an estimated 77 million tonnes of carbon in their living trees alone.
• Income from timber and wood products, and/or a domestic supply of wood fuel.
• Sustainable, local sources of timber and wood products.
• Managed and diverse woodlands will be more resilient to pests and diseases, as well as the effects of climate change.
• A mix of trees and scrub that are accessible to livestock can provide fodder and help naturally diversify their diet.
• Trees and scrub can help stabilise the soil, slowing or preventing loss and boosting soil structure and health.
• Support for traditional craft skills and materials.
• Management activities can contribute to natural flood management, for example creating woody debris.
• Managing riparian woodland and trees can provide optimum shading for watercourses, helping with temperature control of the water.
• Trees form part of our iconic visual landscape. They are part of our cultural heritage, being the subject of local stories, poetry, song, and place names, and can be an integral part of how we shape our heritage of the future.

In practice

• Aim for a diverse range of species of trees, shrubs and ground flora, usually native species.
• Plan for succession of old or veteran trees by identifying potential suitable trees. The Woodland Trust has produced an Ancient and veteran trees assessment guide. (opens new window)
• Leave dead or dying trees in situ, or create log piles.

• Gap up hedges with a mix of native species, and do not cut annually to allow them to flower and produce berries. Consider allowing boundary trees to grow.
• Consider the impacts of heavy machinery and traffic, trying to minimise damage to roots or soil compaction.
• Grazing livestock can sometimes be carefully incorporated into the management of a woodland.
• Control invasive non-native species such as rhododendron.
• Some areas may need fencing to allow young trees and scrub to establish.
• Landscape-scale deer management is an important part of woodland management.
• Some species, like bats and barn owls, need a licensed person to check nests, nest boxes, or roosts.
• A felling licence and/ or other permissions may be needed to plant, remove or manage one or more trees.

CASE STUDY LIFE in the Ravines