Surveys

Ast Wood is one of the most important surviving areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in eastern Herefordshire. It is about 45 acres in size. Until the early seventies it was bigger, but 20 acres or so of the south western section of the wood were cleared and converted to agricultural land at that time. Most of the remaining woodland is surrounded by a distinct wood bank. This is of particular archaeological interest as many ancient woodlands in Herefordshire do not have distinct wood banks.

The wood is a remarkably attractive and diverse ancient woodland. There are many interesting trees including a very large number of wild service trees. This species of tree is one of the best indicators of ancient woodland. There are also some very large small leaved limes; huge old ash coppice stools; large alder stools along the brooks which rise in the wood; and also oak, yew, aspen, chestnut and cherry.

There is also a very good ground flora with expanses of bluebells and wild daffodils, wood anemone, dog's mercury and wood sorrel. There is a large population of herb paris, a key ancient woodland indicator species. Woodpeckers, both green and spotted are frequently heard and there is an excellent range of characteristic woodland birds such as tree-creepers, chiff-chaff and so forth.

Woodland management records on the nineteenth century show that the wood was regularly coppiced at from twelve to fourteen years' growth. At this time the wood was part of the Eastnor Estate and there is a fine collection of records relating to coppicing and woodland management. The poles were used as hop poles in the local hop yards.

The characteristics of the woodland flora, togther with the setting of the wood and its topography are strong evidence that Ast Wood is primary ancient woodland. Every effort should be made to protect it.

The survey described in this report (HSM 38740) formed part of the Herefordshire Woodlands Archaeological Survey undertaken in partnership with the Forestry Commission. A rapid site identification survey was carried out in the wood concerned, using a handheld Global Positioning System to record the location of the features that were recognised as having archaeological significance.

Earthwork features were recorded within the wood that illustrate use of the woodland resource in the late and post medieval periods. The included saw pits, charcoal burning platforms, quarries and woodland management boundaries.

Medieval ridge and furrow covered a large area within the wood, indicating that at least part of the wood was under the plough probably up until the middle or end of the 14^th century.