'Last chance' for forgotten forests

ENGLAND is "running out of time" to rescue nature-rich ancient woodlands buried under 20th century tree plantations, conservationists have warned.

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The Woodland Trust warns the Government is falling far short of targets to restore planted ancient woodlands by 2030, with almost no woods on private land being restored in the last few years.

The charity says it is the "last chance" for what it describes as the country's forgotten forests: longstanding native woodlands that were clear-felled or poisoned after the Second World War to make way for monoculture plantations of trees such as conifers for timber.