Ancient woods are Britain’s richest habitats: rare fragments of our landscape that teem with life from soil to canopy. Drawing on twenty years’ experience at the National Trust, Luke Barley brings us deep into this hidden world and reveals how we can rekindle our ancient connection with these majestic woodlands.
Luke Barley is a senior advisor on trees and woodlands with the National Trust, providing leadership, guidance and support on woodland management across the charity’s 250,000-hectare landholding. He is a chartered forester, a professional member of the Arboricultural Association and a trustee of the Ancient Tree Forum, and previously worked as a ranger and helped care for ancient woods in the North Downs, the Lake District and the Peak District. He lives in Sheffield with his family.