Section 3 Woodland. In the North York Moors, woodland covers 22% of the National Park but it varies considerably in type and scale. Coniferous plantation accounts for nearly three-quarters of the wooded area. The Section 3 Woodland map includes the following categories: all woodland defined as ancient semi-natural and ancient re-planted on the Provisional Ancient Woodland Inventories (published by the Nature Conservancy Council, now Natural England). Most re-planted woods will retain elements of the original woodland interest which may be of value or provide opportunities for restoration in the future; woodland which has a known high nature conservation interest, such as that identified in the National Park's Phase 1 and Phase 2 habitat surveys; semi-natural broadleaved woodland (ie woodland which has established itself by natural regeneration) except where it is in the process of colonising a more important habitat or where removal is preferred to restore another habitat; new native woodlands defined according to published guidelines (Forestry Commission Bulletin 112) where they are considered to have a high conservation value from the outset. (It is suggested that other newly established woodlands are not included until their landscape or nature conservation value can be demonstrated); any other area of woodland which is being specifically managed to enhance the woodland nature conservation interest; any broadleaf, conifer or mixed woodland which has a high landscape value which should be perpetuated; woodland which it is important to conserve for its recreational value, and hence the appreciation of natural beauty by the public.
