ancient woodland
Old-growth tree stand
Ancient woodland is forest that has existed continuously for centuries—in Britain, typically since at least 1600.
These areas support distinctive ecosystems with plants and fungi that take generations to establish: The bluebells indicate ancient woodland.
The term appears mainly in British conservation contexts, where such sites receive legal protection from development.
- old-growth forestLong-undisturbed mature woodland ecosystem
- dormouseSmall hibernating rodent
- wildwoodUncultivated natural woodland
- tree canopyUpper forest layer
- forestTree-dense ecosystem
biodiversity · habitat · Sherwood Forest · fairy tale · ecosystem · sacred grove · green man · oak tree · folklore · moss · cultural heritage · British Isles · lichen · damp earth · natural regeneration · bluebells · wild garlic · primeval forest
- foresttrees, pine, oak, woods, wood
- forestswoods, pine trees, deciduous forest, maple trees, coniferous forest
- Enchanted Woodsenchanted forest, dark forest, haunted forest, sacred grove, Mirkwood
- habitatsforest, ocean, lake, river, pond
- woodlandsforest, woods, mixed forest, timberland, grove
- British Naturehedgehog, hedgehogs, badger, badgers, red fox