Northumberland Native Woodland Project

The Northumberland Native Woodland Project was initiated by the Forestry Commission in 2003 to help secure the future of the County’s ancient woodlands. The project involved surveying all the ancient woodlands in the county to assess location, area, woodland condition and type. Opportunities for woodland creation and expansion were also noted. The information collected was added to a geographical information system (GIS) which means that key data about any ancient woodland in the County can be accessed by clicking on the woodland on a computer map.

Results show that a considerable proportion of the county’s ancient woodland is in poor condition and is likely to continue to decline without the introduction of sustainable woodland management. 

The partners are now seeking to take forward the recommendations given in the report; in particular to target support for sustainable woodland management at the ancient woodlands in Northumberland that are in an unfavourable condition.

Lead partner

Forestry Commission

Other partners

Northumberland National Park Authority, Northumberland County Council, Natural England, Woodland Trust, North Pennines AONB, Northumberland Coast AONB, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Confederation of Forest Industries

Action plans that the project helps to deliver

Native Woodland

Start date

June 2003

End date

Ongoing

Funded by

Forestry Commission, English Nature (now Natural England) Northumberland National Park Authority.

Who to contact for further information

Forestry Commission
Tel: 01669 621591