| 2.2% of the AONB is ancient woodland.
Although few contain individual trees of very great antiquity
(some ancient woodland sites have been planted with conifers) they
are likely to have had a continuity of woodland cover for many
centuries, possibly dating back to the original post-glacial
forests. They are therefore the nearest
equivalent to natural woodland and display complex ecological
associations that are absent in more recent stands.
Most of the AONB's ancient woodland resource is confined to
small stands although larger areas remain at Guisecliffe and
Braisty Woods in Nidderdale, Spa Gill near Ripon and at Hackfall
near Masham.
A long history of consistent management, such as coppice with
standards, encourages the development of distinctive woodland soils
and the special flora and fauna that can only thrive in a stable
woodland environment. Ancient woods become repositories of native
genetic diversity, and irreplaceable habitats that are highly
valued components of our natural heritage.
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