The Forestry Commission has launched a new grant scheme to restore ancient woodlands in Craven.

Such sites have been continuously wooded since the first reliable maps were produced in the 1600s, but in reality they could date back thousands of years to the time of the wild wood which covered much of Yorkshire after the last Ice Age. Described as an irreplaceable asset, they are unique havens for animals and rare plants.

Now forest chiefs want to see more of these woods regain their ancient character and have drawn up a detailed map identifying sites which they want to target with grants.

There are 1,445 hectares (3,612 acres) of ancient woodland in Craven. Some of this has been re-planted to varying degrees by non-native trees and conifers, mainly during the 20th century in the push to bolster the nation’s depleted timber reserves.

Iwan Downey, the Forestry Commission’s operations manager, said: “Commercial harvesting of conifer trees remains crucial to the economy, but these days conservation goals are also key.

“The Forestry Commission is committed to restoring all the ancient woods on its estate. But regionally about 90 per cent of all such sites are in private or local authority hands or in the charitable sector. Getting them in better shape will be a massive boost to wildlife and plants, and these grants will be a big help.

“When ancient woods are well managed they are truly dynamic environments.”

Grants could pay for up 80 per cent of work such as removing non-native tree species and opening up the tree canopy to let more light reach the ground.

To find more, call 01904 448778 or visit the website forestry.gov.uk/yorkshireandthehumber