Ancient: Reviving the Woods That Made Britain – Luke Barley

Fri 16 October, 2026 at 7:00 pm

Ancient woods are Britain’s richest habitats, rare fragments of our landscape that teem with life from soil to canopy. They live in our collective imagination as quiet places, best left untouched. But now, as ever, these woods – including primeval ‘wildwood’ – need the thoughtful intervention of humans to survive. Forester Luke Barley reveals this hidden world of majestic oaks, freshly coppiced hazels, endangered limes and the passionate individuals tending them for future generations. Based in Sheffield, Luke Barley is a senior adviser on woodland with the National Trust and previously worked as a ranger in some of England’s most iconic landscapes including the Lakes and the Peak District.

“A wonderful ramble beneath the boughs” – Chris Packham

“Passionate, knowledgeable and immersive” – Tristan Gooley