UK government allocates £5.9 million to restore 105,000 acres of England’s ‘Ghost Woods’

A new Defra funding stream of £5.9 million will support the restoration of 105,000 acres of Forestry England land identified as Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites, often called “Ghost Woods”. These areas were originally ancient woodlands felled in the 20th century and replaced with uniform timber plantations. Mary Creagh, the Nature Minister, announced the multi-year commitment, which seeks to double the pace of restoration on the Public Forest Estate.

The project follows a grassroots campaign that attracted over 147,000 signatories, artistic events, and a petition delivered by activists dressed as slugs. Wild Card, the campaigning NGO, will monitor the use of funds and hold officials accountable, while also awaiting the forthcoming England Tree Action Plan. Restoring these sites could revive native species, improve biodiversity and reconnect fragmented ecosystems across a landscape larger than the Isle of Wight.