The role of ‘ancient’ woodlands in conserving ‘undisturbed’ soils in Britain

Abstract

Abstract The concept that ‘ancient’ woodlands contain ‘undisturbed’ soils of pedological and ecological significance has been explored in a British context in work carried out under a contract from the Nature Conservancy Council. Opportunities in soil science provided by such soils are summarised. Although available in principle, there has been little concerted attempt to confirm or realise these opportunities in practice. A questionnaire sought views and experience on this topic from 70 British workers in soil science and woodland ecology. Of woodland sites proposed as being particularly important for their undisturbed soils, almost half were not contained within the existing national conservation network. Conversely, only some 10% of woodlands of major ecological interest included in the Nature Conservation Review were mentioned by respondents as having particular soil interest. These findings suggest a need for stronger liaison between soil scientists and conservationists. A possible research approach is outlined that could explore and assess the characteristics of ‘undisturbed’ soils of ‘ancient’ woodlands on a regional scale.