According to the Woodland Trust, Ancient Woods in Scotland are areas of woodland that have persisted since 1750. Ancient Woodlands take hundreds of years to form; thus, they have been around long enough to develop rich and complex ecosystems, with undisturbed soils and diverse communities of plants, animals and fungi.

One of our richest and most biodiverse habitats, Ancient Woods are safe havens for our native wildlife, including many species not found elsewhere. Sadly, Ancient Woodlands cover less than 2.5% of the UK land mass, meaning that remaining fragments are priceless and irreplaceable.

What a wonderful surprise then that NatureScot’s expert on Ancient Woodland in the UK, Ms Jeanette Hall, recently confirmed the status of the woods at Kingsmeadows as Ancient Woodland. The evidence that led NatureScot to this conclusion is based on two key historic maps of Peebles (reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland).

1856 OS map for Peebles

The 1856 first edition Ordnance Survey (OS) Map shows the entire Kingsmeadows policy as mature woodland. Interestingly, the structure in the woods near Cavalry Park is labelled as the site of the Mercat Cross, which was transferred to these woods in 1807 before being moved to the Chambers Institute around 1857.

An earlier historic map from 1823 by renowned cartographer John Wood, provides evidence that the woodland at Kingsmeadows was mature well before the survey for the OS first edition took place.

1823 John Wood map for Peebles

The Roy Military maps of Scotland from around 1750 can normally be used to establish the presence of Ancient Woodland but, according to NatureScot, records of long-established woods in the Scottish Borders are very incomplete.

Furthermore, NatureScot confirms that records of many Ancient Woodland indicator species (e.g. dog's mercury, water aven, bluebells and holly, wild garlic) on site provide additional evidence of the quality of the woodland.

It is Scottish Government policy to prohibit building on Ancient Woodland and we continue to work to ensure that the woods at Kingsmeadows are preserved for future generations.

Dr Michael Marshall
Planning Convenor
Peebles & District Community Council

As always: support or comment to Anne Snoddy (Secretary PCC)