Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW)

Woodlands that have maintained continuous tree cover for centuries, retaining unique soil profiles and rare, slow-colonising indicator species.

Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) refers to irreplaceable woodland sites that have maintained continuous tree and forest cover for centuries, typically defined in the UK as dating back to at least the year 1600. The term 'semi-natural' indicates that while these woodlands have been historically managed cut and utilised by humans for fodder.