Ancient woods have been around for at least 400 years and are the last link with the original wildwood which covered the UK after the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago.

It is hard to believe that such an important part of our ecological and cultural heritage, which now covers only two percent of the country, could still be under threat, but it is.

Ancient trees resonate with the history of the landscape and are markers in the lives of individuals and communities. They harbour a unique array of wildlife.

It has been estimated that Britain may be home to around 80 percent of northern Europe's ancient trees so we have a great responsibility in looking after them.