Charity warns time running out to save England's 'forgotten forests'

England is 'running out of time' to rescue its nature-rich ancient woodlands, which were largely destroyed after the Second World War to make way for monoculture plantations, the Woodland Trust has warned. The charity states the Government is falling far short of its targets to restore these 'forgotten forests' by 2030, with minimal progress made on private land in recent years, marking a critical 'last chance' for these vital ecosystems. These ancient woodlands, once clear-felled or poisoned to plant non-native conifers, are now the focus of restoration efforts. Site managers like George Griffiths are demonstrating successful methods, such as carefully thinning plantation trees to allow light to reach the forest floor. This approach protects soils and lets 'nature take its course,' resulting in the return of native species like birch trees, moss-covered oaks, and bluebells, heralding a revival of biodiversity. With approximately 40% of England's remaining ancient woodlands affected by such plantations, the urgency is mounting. The Woodland Trust's warning underscores the gap between current restoration rates and the 2030 goal, emphasizing the need for accelerated action to secure the future of these historically and ecologically significant landscapes.