The Woodland Heritage Champions Project culminated in the publication of the highly-regarded Woodland Heritage Manual. A number of authors have contributed to the manual and volunteers have provided case studies to highlight some of the work carried out.
The manual provides information for the evaluation and assessment of woodlands and wooded landscapes across England, enabling people to understand, value and care for their local heritage. Without understanding ancient woodlands they are at risk of damage and neglect.
The manual:
- Puts woodlands in their landscape setting
- Gives guidance on how to identify working and veteran trees in woodland, parkland and former woodland sites, building on the work of the 'Ancient Tree Hunt' project
- Looks at botanical and other species indicator typologies
- Includes information about the underlying geology, sediments and soils
- Provides information on ecological and archaeological survey methods and the interpretation of the results
- Covers different areas within England
- Provides guidance for management and advice on carrying out further surveys and important contact information
- Hopes to inspire woodland enthusiasts to research and survey their local wood and to uncover its history
