EXTRA money is being provided by the Forestry Commission to make it easier for owners to safeguard the woodlands that have been a wildlife-rich part of Dartmoor's scenery for 500 years or more. A total of £30,000 has been allocated over the next two years to support the grants fund of Restoring Ancient Woodlands — a partnership project supported by Dartmoor National Park Authority, the Forestry Commission, Natural England and the Woodland Trust. RAW willl help care for woodlands within Dartmoor National Park that are known to date from at least the 17th century. It will use the money to help owners/managers to devise, finance and implement restoration management plans, including the removal of invasive rhododendron. The project also promotes the planning and creation of new native woodlands that extend or link ancient sites. Richard Knott, a project officer, said: 'Ancient woodlands are sometimes described as nature's equivalent of heritage buildings. Unfortunately, they rarely get the same level of care as castles and cathedrals; nor can they rely on collection boxes or turnstiles to pay for their upkeep. 'This is a worry for everyone who cares about the long lived woods that contribute so much to Dartmoor's beauty, biodiversity, economy, sense of place and history — they are a natural asset we cannot afford to lose. 'Our hope is that this new money will awaken more owners and managers to the threats our ancient woodlands face — from neglect, alien invaders, grazing damage and a changing climate — and that it will encourage more owners to get in touch to hear how we can help them to take the right action.' Through RAW, owners and managers can access information on the cultural, economic, historic and wildlife value of their ancient woodlands; get free, hands-on help to plan and manage restorations or new plantings, and a clear route to sources of funding, including Woodland Improvement grants, to contribute to cost of work. Landholders who want to find out more information should contact RAW on 01626 832093 or email [email protected]">[email protected].