Study of ancient woods wins award

The council found 1,600 hectares of previously unlisted ancient woodland

A council's work to identify 607 areas of previously unlisted ancient woodland has won an environmental award.

Mid Sussex District Council carried out a survey to update the area's inventory of ancient woods.

A survey in the 1980s did not include woodland less than two hectares, but a study last year included smaller areas and added 1,600 hectares to the list.

The authority and its partners will be handed its Green Apple Award at the House of Commons in November.

Councillor Susanna Kemp said Mid Sussex had one of the greatest concentrations of woodland in the South East, with more than two thirds classified as ancient.

She said: "Ancient woodland is a key part of the Mid Sussex landscape, is an essential habitat for much of our wildlife and is one of the reasons people choose to settle in Mid Sussex."

The council worked with Natural England, the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Forestry Commission to survey the area.