Forestry
The woodlands on the Ranges are managed not only for timber. They provide shelter for troops, and a tactical environment for them to train in and around. For military training purposes they need to be windfirm, fire resistant and have continuous all year tree cover.
Woodlands also add to the landscape and nature conservation value of the area.
Ancient semi-natural woodlands are those that have had continuous tree cover since 1600. These make up 185 hectares within the Ranges.
Three ancient semi-natural woodlands are SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) - Ramsey’s Burn Wood, Grasslees Wood and Holystone Burn Woods.
Other ancient semi-natural woods can be seen at Barrow Scar and Barrow Burn Woods, Usway Burn and Durtrees Burn Wood.
Since 1970 120 new mixed woodlands, over 170 acres, have been planted to provide military cover and farm shelter.
The coniferous woods across the Ranges are also important for military cover so a 20 year felling and restocking programme is being carried out.
