The use of Indicator Species in Identifying Ancient Woodland in South-East Northumberland (UK)

This study uses a recognised inventory of ancient woodland indicator plants (AWIs), to investigate the antiquity of sixty-two woodlands in south-east Northumberland, prompted by Brian Roberts’ analysis of Old-English place names between the Rivers Coquet and Wansbeck. Botanical evidence for woody and herbaceous plant species and other information concerning woodland history was gathered in fieldwork and desk-based enquiry. In a multivariate analysis the distribution of woodland indicators showed significant if not overwhelming correlation with site classification of ancient semi-natural woodlands (ASNW). Faithfulness, the close relationship of AWI species to ASNWs, is revealed together with some woodland species which were not previously on the AWI list. Some differences are found when comparing the results to ancient woodland designations. Our case study of one township shows however that use of all available categories of evidence offers more robust support that its woodlands were ancient. Woodlands in north-east England had not been previously researched in this way for evidence of ancient woodland. This study contributes information on the region’s ecology, archaeology and landscape history, providing scope for further and ongoing research. It is suggested that fieldwork using quantitative archaeological techniques should be carried out in future to provide better chronological frameworks for woodlands in south-east Northumberland.