Ancient woods are those places that have never been cleared of trees, so they form a continuous link to the primeval landscape. They are some of the world’s richest terrestrial habitat but, while they can sometimes feel ‘wild’ to the modern visitor, their continued presence is the result of human industry dating back to the Bronze Age.

For centuries, their sustainable management provided the vast majority of the materials needed by human society, from the giant timbers supporting the roofs of our grandest buildings to the bundles of twigs that fired bread ovens. The rise of oil has seen ancient woodland neglected since the end of the Second World War but nature conservationists have begun to rejuvenate some of the lost traditions, such as coppicing, for their enormous benefit to nature.

Ranger Luke Barley examines the past, present and future of woodland management, in which ancient techniques are repurposed and improved to create labour and products for a post-oil, regenerative world, and also reflects on the great purpose that developing a close connection with woodlands has given him.

PRAISE FOR ANCIENT:

“A passionate, knowledgeable and immersive guide to these important and magnificent habitats. – Tristan Gooley, author of How to Read a Tree

“Ancient is a timely guide to our irreplaceable ancient woodlands offering expert insights into their past and hope for their future.” – Paul Wood, author of Tree Hunting: 1,000 Trees to Find in Britain and Ireland’s Towns and Cities

“Thoughtfully written and exquisitely attentive to the symbioses between human and nonhuman life in the woods, Ancient reveals history and heritage that hold vital lessons for a greener, happier future.” – Chantal Lyons, author of Groundbreakers: The Return of Britain’s Wild Boar

“This beautiful biography of Britain’s ancient woodland demonstrates irrefutably that we humans are a part of nature rather than apart from it.” – Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, author of Our Oaken Bones

“Barley hacks through pretension, politics and downright ignorance so that we can see both the wood and the trees. He is a tremendous companion in the forest.” – Charles Foster, author of The Edges of the World

“Bristles with insight gained through devotion and toil. Ancient is a wise and heartfelt love song that reveals treasure in the trees.” – Lee Schofield, author of Wild Fell

“Authors like Luke are writing from the front lines of conservation, and we would all do well to learn from their observations – both poetic and scientific.” – Tiffany Francis Baker, author of Ebb and Flow: A Guide to Seasonal Living