Ancient and ornamental
Ancient and ornamental describes unenclosed broadleaved woodland in the New Forest.
Some parts are completely wild and little changed since the time when they were the hunting preserve of William the Conquer. Others have been managed and are largely man-made.
The Forest hs been protected by numerous Royal Charters and Acts of Parliament, starting 1217. In 1698 a notable Act was passed to prevent pollarding, a pratice local people used to provide more but thinner branches for timber and firewood.
During the 17th century large numbers of unpollarded beech and oak were use to provide timber for ships for the Royal Navy. Many of the oaks we see today were planted to replace these.
Recent Acts have made further provision for managing these important environmental assets.Today, they are no longer subject to economic exploitation, apart from providing grazing for ponies and panage (acorns) for pigs, and are probably more lonely than they have been since prehistoric times.
Some parts are completely wild and little changed since the time when they were the hunting preserve of William the Conquer. Others have been managed and are largely man-made.
The Forest hs been protected by numerous Royal Charters and Acts of Parliament, starting 1217. In 1698 a notable Act was passed to prevent pollarding, a pratice local people used to provide more but thinner branches for timber and firewood.
During the 17th century large numbers of unpollarded beech and oak were use to provide timber for ships for the Royal Navy. Many of the oaks we see today were planted to replace these.
Recent Acts have made further provision for managing these important environmental assets.Today, they are no longer subject to economic exploitation, apart from providing grazing for ponies and panage (acorns) for pigs, and are probably more lonely than they have been since prehistoric times.
