Step up restoration of ancient woodland before it is lost, Forestry England urged

The ancient woodlands of England are critically important habitats for many rare creatures with irreplaceable ecosystems created by the mature trees. Photograph: Chris Deeney/Alamy

Forestry England needs to urgently step up its ancient woodland restoration before the irreplaceable habitat is lost for ever, campaigners have said.

Findings by the campaign group Wild Card suggest that in the 10 most recently assessed years Forestry England, which is in charge of the country’s woodlands, has fully restored just 5.8% (2,484 hectares/6,138 acres) of publicly owned plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS).