Woodland in Nidderdale National Landscape features a variety of woodland habitats, including ancient woodland, long-established broadleaf woodland, recently planted broadleaf woodland, conifer woodland, mixed woodland, wet woodland, scrub, wood pasture, orchards, hedgerows, veteran trees, and trees outside woodland.

Types of woodland

Ancient woodlands have been continuously wooded since 1600, maintaining undisturbed soils and unique species. Long-established woodlands date back to 1830, while more recent woodlands include large areas of conifers planted between the 1940s and 1960s. Native woodlands are dominated by oak, sycamore, and ash, with wet woodlands featuring alder and willow.

Conifer woodlands are productive and dominated by species like Corsican pine and Sitka spruce. Scrub habitats are transitional areas with pioneer trees like silver birch. Hedgerows form a network for wildlife movement, especially in valleys and lower elevations.

Wood pasture and trees

Wood pasture and orchards provide habitats for woodland species and act as stepping-stones for wildlife. Trees outside woodland include individual trees in fields and hedgerows. These diverse habitats offer crucial ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and water management.

Our work focuses on

• Creating new woodland habitat by helping farmers, landowners and land mangers plant trees and create new areas of woodland.
• Protecting and restoring existing woodland. We offer free advice on ancient woodland management and restoration. Get in touch for advice.