Choosing stand management methods for restoring planted ancient woodland sites

The restoration of plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) to native woodland communities is a challenging objective that requires more management input than simply re-creating a stand of site native species. All sites differ, and optimising the choice of methods thorough site assessment is necessary before restoration starts. Where there is evidence of valuable remnants of the former ancient semi-natural woodland within the stand, management should secure their future, and promote their development and subsequent contribution to the future native woodland. This Guide provides a framework for selecting a method of stand management and advice on good practice that is appropriate for a particular site and related to the quality of the remnant features present.