Ancient Woodland

Synopsis

'Ancient woodland’ is a term that refers to woods that have been continuously present since the growth of wildwood at the end of the last ice age. The ancient woods are home to many native plants and animals and ecologically represent an important environment. Reveals how the woods have been shaped by men and how historical documentation is important in deciphering their present-day ecology. Several woods including Riddy Wood (Cambridgeshire), Bradfield Woods (Suffolk) and Chalkney Wood (Essex) are visited to see the effects of woodland practices such as coppicing. Many ancient woods provide cover for game hunting. Shows fox hunting and pheasant shooting in Hertfordshire. Since World War 2 much of the ancient woodland has disappeared. Today these woods are better preserved and are now considered to be an important part of the national heritage.

Series

Ecology, Course S326

Language

English

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 25 min.

Year of production

1986

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Biology; Environmental science

Keywords

ecosystems; woodland ecosystems

Credits

Cast

Andrew Sachs
Oliver Racham
Stuart Carter

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk