If a wood existed since before 1600 it is known as ancient woodland.  These are the most important woods for wildlife because they contain more plants and animals than modern woodlands.  Woods containing small leaved lime trees are unusual and there are very few left in Britain.  The greatest concentration of this type of ancient wood in the county is found between Wragby, Bardney and Woodhall Spa.  These woods date back to prehistoric times.  There is a growing recognition of the great importance of these Limewoods.  Local organisations, including the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire have formed a partnership with long term commitment to invest in and improve the woods.

 

The Lincolnshire Limewoods Project is a partnership working to protect, enhance and promote the natural and historic landscapes of the Limewoods area. The project covers an area of more than 60 square miles to the east of Lincoln. This area contains the country's greatest surviving concentration of small-leaved lime ancient woodland and is also unusually rich in historic and archaeological remains including seven medieval abbey sites in the Witham Valley.

 

The project aims to increase knowledge and understanding of the area and its importance, to restore habitat links between its remaining ancient woodlands, to enhance the management of its natural and historic features, and to create better public access across the area.

  

The project will initially run for five years and is currently funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lincolnshire County Council, Forestry Commission and English Nature. For more information about the Limewoods Project contact Limewoods Project Officer, Liz Fleuty. Tel: 01522 554831. e-mail Liz.Fleuty@lincolnshire.gov.uk