Ancient North York Moors woods to be given a new lease of life.

The Forestry Commission with Natural England has scooped £40,000 of Government funds to carry out the work at West Arncliffe and Park Hole Woods, near Whitby.

The site dates back to at least 1600 and provides a key habitat for wildlife and plants such as rare ferns and grasses.
During the 20th century the 44 hectare wood was densely planted with Western hemlock conifers which are now to be felled to make space for trees such as sessile oak.

Stewart Bates, who owns the wood, said: "Removing the Western hemlock will be a major boost, piercing the gloom with nourishing sunlight and preventing plants like the ferns from being shaded out.