A growing grassroots campaign is calling on Forestry England to revive England’s ancient forests, starting with so-called “ghost woods” hidden in plain sight. One of the largest of these, Bernwood Forest, lies right on Oxfordshire’s doorstep.
This week, campaigners, families, and nature-lovers gathered at the forest’s edge for a symbolic “ghost hunt” organised by Right to Roam Oxfordshire, urging the restoration of native woodlands buried beneath commercial plantations. The event was part of a nationwide movement led by Wild Card, and backed by Oscar-winning actress Dame Judi Dench, a lifelong advocate for trees and biodiversity.
“We live with ghosts,” the campaign states. “These forests should be alive with birdsong, fungi, and wildflowers. But instead, they’ve been turned into dark, uniform tree farms. These aren’t forests, they’re crops.”
What Are “Ghost Woods”?
“Ghost woods” refer to ancient woodland sites that were cleared during the 20th century and replanted with uniform conifers, fast-growing trees intended for timber production. These dense plantations conceal the remains of rich, biodiverse ecosystems once teeming with life.
Many of these landscapes are what scientists call PAWS, Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites. Though the trees above ground may be commercial, the soil still holds native seedbanks and fungal networks, waiting to regenerate, if given the chance.
Bernwood Forest: A Local Forest With Ancient Roots
Located on the Oxfordshire–Buckinghamshire border, Bernwood was once a Royal Forest, protected for centuries by monarchs including Edward the Confessor. Today, it’s known for its Butterfly Walk, one of the UK’s most important sites for butterflies, but much of the surrounding forest is now dark plantation.
“There are patches of stunning native woodlands within Bernwood Forest, as well as the beautiful ‘Butterfly Walk’ which was buzzing with wild flowers and insects. Imagine how amazing the forest could be if it all looked like that. We want to see the conifer plantations restored back to native woodland so that nature can thrive!”
Poppy, a local resident
Dame Judi Dench: “Let These Forests Live and Breathe”
In a statement supporting the campaign, Dame Judi Dench shared her deep personal connection to Britain’s forests:
“Forestry England is responsible for over 100,000 acres that were once ancient, life-filled woodland. But instead of letting nature return, much of the land has been smothered with fast-growing timber plantations. These places are now often uniform, silent, and sterile. In the process, we’ve lost so much of the rich biodiversity that once thrived there.
“I’ve always felt there is profound wisdom in trees, an ancient wisdom that we need to retain and let speak again. That’s why this matters so much to me. Thankfully beneath these silent ghost woods, the heartbeat of life is still beating. Fragile threads of fungal networks and native seedbanks are still clinging on. But scientists are warning us that they won’t last much longer. If we don’t act soon, they’ll be lost forever. It’s time to let these forests live and breathe once more.”
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
According to campaigners, many of these plantations are nearing felling age, giving Forestry England a rare opportunity to restore ancient habitats instead of replanting more conifers.
If replanting goes ahead as usual, much of the hidden biodiversity could be lost for another 60-year timber cycle, or forever.
Currently, just 1.6% of England remains as true ancient woodland. Meanwhile, 370,000 acres are designated PAWS, most of them silent, monoculture plantations.
Forestry England manages 105,000 acres of ghost woods, more than the size of the Isle of Wight.
Why Rewilding Ghost Woods Matters
Wild Card and fellow rewilding advocates argue that restoring ancient woodlands would:
- Revive biodiversity and improve ecological resilience
- Support sustainable timber through mixed woodlands
- Create green jobs in rural communities
- Provide welcoming public spaces for recreation and education
- Reconnect people with England’s natural heritage
“This is public land,” the campaign insists. “Let’s use it for the public good.”
A Race Against Time
In 2022, the government pledged to restore most ancient woodlands by 2030. But according to Wild Card, at the current pace, Forestry England won’t hit that target until 2111, over 80 years late.
The Woodland Trust also warns that just 9% of England’s woodlands are currently in a “favourable condition.”
Get Involved
Dame Judi Dench, Wild Card, and campaign group 38 Degrees have launched a petition demanding Forestry England honour its commitment and restore ghost woods now — before it’s too late.
To learn more or sign the petition, visit: wildcard.land
