Ancient woodland

Ancient woodland was the original habitat of much of London but now together with Recent Woodland covers just 5% of the capital. London’s remaining ancient woods have a fascinating history and contain a rich variety of wildlife. Ancient woodlands such as those at Ruislip and Oxleas were once part of bigger areas of woodland used by local people for hunting, food gathering and for collecting wood for making tools and fuel.

What is ancient woodland?
Ancient woodland are those where the essential habitat components – trees, shrubs, ground flora, soils and animal communities - have more or less been present for at least 400 years (when the first accurate maps appeared). An ancient woodland may have had its trees felled (for timber) during this time, but if it hasn’t been ploughed or built on, there’s a good chance its ancient character is still present. There are a number of plants known as ancient woodland indicator species that characterise ancient woodland from Recent Woodland due to their poor ability of colonizing new ground. Dead wood is an important component, supporting a huge range of fungi, mosses, lichen and invertebrates.

Whose habitat is it?
Ancient woodlands are home to a high diversity of fauna and flora. Springtime brings a carpet of bluebells to Hillingdon’s Gutteridge Wood, while other woods like Jewels Wood near New Addington are in bloom with wood anemone and yellow archangel. Sydenham Hill Wood is part of the last remaining tract of the Great North Wood and is home to a dazzling array of trees, woodland birds, mammals, fungi and flowers. Even the dead wood provides habitat for a number of creatures including the Stag Beetle, the largest beetle in the UK.

Conservation issues
London’s ancient woodlands have largely become isolated and are now under threat from human-related pressures such as trampling, impacts from garden escapes and pets (dogs, cats), and even inappropriate tree-planting. The edges of these fragmented woodlands are also threatened by pollution from roads and development where bramble and nettle typically becomes dominant. A return to positive woodland management that includes coppicing is required to maintain these iconic woodlands with their wildflower carpets. Furthermore selective removal of non-native species is required to prevent their spread.

Where can I see this habitat?
Gutteridge Wood
Oak Hill Woods
Sydenham Hill Wood
Threecorner Grove
Jewels Wood, New Addington
Duck Wood, Havering
Ruislip Woods, Ruislip