The Queen's Green Canopy recently announced the network of 70 Ancient Woodlands and 70 Ancient Trees across the United Kingdom which will form part of the Ancient Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty's 70 years of service.

The initiative was launched by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of The Queen's Green Canopy, under one of the Ancient Tree dedications - the old Sycamore located at Dumfries House in Scotland.

Made up of two of the most ancient woodlands in Leicestershire, stepping into Launde Park Wood and Launde Big Wood is like stepping back in time. Oak, ash, hazel and field maple dominate Big Wood to the west, whilst Park Wood to the east was once a Forestry Commission plantation.

Head of Conservation at Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, John Clarkson welcomed the news: "Owned by the Launde Abbey Charitable Trust, the Launde Woods, (Launde Park Wood and Launde Big Wood) are both amazing places for wildlife with a fascinating cultural history.

Right now, they are woodlands with magnificent trees and woodland wildflowers that provide a safe haven for many wildlife species, including bats. In the past, both woodlands were part of the Royal Leighfield Forest and part of the lands associated with Launde Priory (now Launde Abbey), later appropriated by Thomas Cromwell after the dissolution of the monasteries. For now, we call them Ancient semi-natural woodlands, to reflect and acknowledge their long cultural and ecological importance."

Evidence of the woodland's ancient past can be seen throughout both nature reserves, with massive boundary earthworks, century-old giant coppice stools, and many plants known to be confined, or nearly so, to ancient woodland sites.

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust work in partnership with Launde Abbey to preserve the ancient woodlands for wildlife and future generations to enjoy.

Revd. Alison Myers, Warden of Launde Abbey, commented: “Walking in ancient woodland is, for me and for many, a spiritual experience - it connects us with the natural world, and life that began before us and will continue after us.  

The ancient Launde woodlands go hand in hand with Launde Abbey’s long spiritual history, reaching back to the time of the monks in the original Priory and forward to the Abbey and its grounds, home to a praying community today. 

We are thrilled that Launde Abbey’s ancient woodlands are part of the Queen’s Green Canopy and invite all those looking for peace and tranquility to explore our stunning woodlands, visit our café or stay overnight, and enjoy the special atmosphere of Launde.”

Established over hundreds of years, the chosen woodlands and trees represent the diverse canopy of the four nations, it is a celebration of our living heritage. All the woodlands and trees have a story to tell. Some are famous specimens and others have a local significance.

These Ancient natural spaces hold significance and meaning for so many people in many ways. They are symbols of community pride, places to connect socially and vital spaces for health and wellbeing activities.

By sharing the stories behind the Ancient woodlands and trees, as well as the incredible efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen's Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.