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The Importance of Ravine Woodlands for Conservation Ravine woodlands are amongst the richest habitats for wildlife in the UK, supporting a wide range of wildlife of national importance. The ancient semi-natural woodlands of the Peak District and the Wye Valley have been identified as of high value for conservation under the European Community Habitats Directive. The woodlands are classified as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) as part of the LIFE-Nature Natura 2000 network of key woodland conservation sites in Europe. These core woodland sites are part of the UK government's sustainability indicators, hence it is vital they are brought under viable management and restored with regards to their species composition and ecological function. Many of the woodlands are protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and as National Nature Reserves by English Nature. In the Peak District, Dovedale and Hamps and Manifold are in the ownership of the National Trust and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has three nature reserves in the Wye Valley. On the South Wales border, the Woodland Trust owns four woods, Forestry Commission five woods and Countryside Council for Wales has one site. Gwent, Gloucestershire and Hereford Wildlife Trusts also manage individual woodlands. |
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