Tree cover has been declining fora very long time - ever since Neolithic man began
clearing land for agriculture around 4000 BC. By the Iron Age (500BC) the original
total forest cover had probably been halved and had been reduced to just 15% by
1086 when the Domesday Book was produced.
Woodlands have a long established place in this county's history. They have been
the source of timber to fuel industry, building and overseas exploration. Woodlands
were very important in the local economy and through coppicing they provided
brush, poles and timber for firewood, fencing and building needs. The current
character of our ancient woodlands is a product of the purposes for which they were
used in the past.
As traditional uses and markets for wood began to decline so the woodland cover
declined also. Of the remaining ancient woodland a further 45% has been
destroyed since the second world war. This loss was mostly as a result of the
mechanisation and intensification of agriculture and a national increase in
dependence on livestock and animal products.
