This Practice Guide is one of a set of eight, which provide comprehensive advice on the management of ancient semi-natural woodland in Britain. While these guides are aimed primarily at ancient semi-natural woodland, much of the advice will also be appropriate for other semi-natural woods which are of high conservation value, and for long-established planted woods which have developed some of the characteristics of ancient semi-natural woodland, notably where native trees were planted on ancient woodland sites. This Guide covers the management of ancient semi-natural beech–ash woods, which are found in southern England and south-east Wales, but also includes guidance on the yew woods which are sometimes associated with them.

This Guide was first published in 1994. This edition is a reprint with a revised format and further reading section, otherwise the text has not been altered.