Following extensive research and surveys carried out by local ecologist and ancient woodland enthusiast John Allaway, North Wood – a small woodland sitting along the route of the proposed Norwich Western Link – has now been added to Natural England’s ancient woodland inventory. 

The term ‘ancient woodland’ is applied to any area that has been continuously wooded since the 1500s and recognises the area’s ecological importance. Natural England’s ancient woodland inventory is the official record of areas of ancient woodland across the country. Planning authorities are required to reference the inventory to ensure that planned developments avoid negatively impacting this irreplaceable habitat. 

North Wood covers 2500 square metres and borders existing ancient woodland, Primrose Grove. Due to its proximity to the route of the road, it is likely that the construction of the Norwich Western Link would negatively impact North Wood and its wildlife. 

John Allaway made the discovery following extensive woodland surveys, research in Norfolk Records Office to look at historic maps of the area and consultation with Dr Sarah Spooner, a professor of landscape history at the University of East Anglia. 

As well as its ancient origins, North Wood plays host to several plant species that are well-known ‘ancient woodland indicators’ including bluebell, primrose, dog’s mercury and wood anemone, as well as earthworks that are often characteristic of ancient woodland. 

After finding such strong evidence, John sent a report to Natural England to ask them to consider adding North Wood to the ancient woodland inventory.  

He explains: “Identifying ancient woodland is a complex task, and only possible by building up layers of evidence throughout history. However, if you know what you are looking at, North Wood stands out a mile. During a visit in spring 2022, I found the woodland filled with old native trees and carpeted with bluebells and other plants that are characteristic of ancient woodland. 

“After consulting a wide variety of historic documents, it was clear that every map showed the wood exactly as it is now, same size, same name. I’m delighted that my efforts have resulted in this special place being formally recognised as ancient woodland.” 

It is thought that North Wood was always part of nearby Primrose Grove, which was once a much larger wood, this small piece being a surviving fragment. 

Helen Baczkowska, our Nature Recovery Manager, added: “We’re delighted that Natural England has designated North Wood as ancient woodland and are very grateful to John for his work. 

“We’ve long known that the mix of ancient woodland, riverside marshes, hedges and veteran trees found within the Wensum Valley is vital for wildlife. We’ve also been warning for a long time that the Norwich Western Link will do irreparable damage to this special landscape and the wildlife that calls it home. This new entry on Natural England’s ancient woodland directory is yet another addition to an already compelling argument against the Norwich Western Link road.” 

We are part of a growing collective of regional and national environmental organisations including Stop the Wensum Link, CPRE Norfolk, Friends of the Earth, the Woodland Trust, Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, Buglife, Norfolk and Norwich Bat Group and British Dragonfly Society, all of whom oppose the development on the grounds of the unacceptable impact it will have on wildlife and the wider natural landscape. 

The Norwich Western Link planning application was submitted in June this year, and the public consultation runs until 19th August. The coalition has launched an e-action to support the public in objecting to the proposed road scheme during the public consultation, which you can find by visiting: norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/nwl