The variety of wildlife in the UK’s woodlands continues to decline as the habitats deteriorate, according to a new report.
The Woodland Trust found that the progressively worsening ecological condition of woodlands is making them a less effective habitat for the wildlife living in them.
Only one in 50 native woodlands have more than one veteran tree per 200,000 square metres, the report revealed. The presence of older trees are vital for wildlife as they provide food and habitat.
Old trees are a good thing, but according to the ancient woodland preservation course I went on, breaks in the canopy, complex understory, and fallen timber are equally important - those are the things that dramatically increase biodiversity. Woodlands shouldn’t be easily walkable, with deadwood cleared away.
