Biodiversity Action Plan
Upland Ashwoods
Upland Ashwoods are found mostly along dalesides within the White Peak area. Those in the Peak District are the largest examples of this habitat in the UK, and are of international importance.
The White Peak used to be extensively wooded, but agricultural clearance removed much of this cover over a number of centuries, this restricted the remaining ancient ash woodland to the steeper, inaccessible dalesides.
In the 18th and 19th centuries grazing pressure relaxed and allowed for secondary re-growth. In addition, former quarries and mining areas, once work has been completed, have naturally re-colonised with ash woodland.
Upland ashwoods are rich wildlife habitats supporting a range of nationally important species such as large and small-leaved lime, mezereon and lily of the valley, as well as outstanding invertebrate fauna.
Upland
ashwoods action plan (300KB) 
Revised BAP Targets
- Maintain the existing area (about 663 ha) of ancient semi-natural upland ashwoods
- Ensure no net loss of non-ancient upland ashwoods (about 1116 ha)
- Achieve favourable (or recovering) condition on 856 ha (95%) of semi-natural upland ashwoods within SSSIs by 2010
- Achieve favourable (or recovering) condition on 322 ha (35%) of semi-natural upland ashwoods outside SSSIs by 2010
- Ensure 117 ha (50%) of coniferous or mixed Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) have been restored or are under gradual restoration by 2010
