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Year 5

Mapping changes in the UK's forests

I can use maps and data sources to identify changes in the UK's woodlands and forests.

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New
New
Year 5

Mapping changes in the UK's forests

I can use maps and data sources to identify changes in the UK's woodlands and forests.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Without the influence of humans the UK would mainly be woodland and forest.
  2. Woodlands in 2023 covers 13% of UK land.
  3. Woodland has been cut down through history to make way for farming, settlements and transport links.
  4. Old and new maps can be compared to identify changes in woodland over time.

Common misconception

All non-coniferous woodland is ancient.

Using historical maps we can see if deciduous woodland has been recently planted - like the National Forest in the Midlands.

Keywords

  • Timber - Timber is wood that has been cut down and prepared for use in industries

  • Natural resource - Natural resources are those that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs

  • Agriculture - Agriculture is the science and practice of cultivating soil and farming

  • Infrastructure - Infrastructure is all the basic systems in a country, such as transport and power supply

Information about woodland local to your school can be found on the 'Find a wood near you' section of the Woodland Trust website. Here you could find out more about the history and of your local woodland.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Historical and modern maps of the local areas. Use of digital mapping software like Digimaps.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In the UK which is larger, a wood or a forest?
Correct Answer: forest, a forest
Q2.
Which type of forest does this describe? "Older trees have been removed and different trees planted. Usually non-native trees."
ancient woodland
semi-natural ancient woodland
recent plantation
Correct answer: replanted ancient woodland
Q3.
Recent plantations are planted to:
Correct answer: provide a source of renewable timber
Correct answer: to be used fuel
provide more land for farming and grazing
Correct answer: to create habitats or food for wildlife
Correct answer: to help combat climate change
Q4.
Which of these names would suggest ancient woodland?
Correct answer: Sallow Copse
Jubilee Plantation
Correct answer: Grove Wood
Correct answer: Willow Wood
Q5.
Which of these names would suggest a recent plantation?
Correct answer: Jubilee Pntation
Correct answer: Slufters Inclosure
Old Copse
Q6.
Ancient woodland might:
Correct answer: follow a parish boundary
Correct answer: have a winding twisting or irregular boundary
have straight outlines
Correct answer: be sited on steep slopes or along river valleys

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
is wood that has been cut down and prepared for use in industries.
Correct Answer: timber
Q2.
__________ are those that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs.
Correct answer: Natural resources
Man made resources
Manufactured resources
Q3.
__________ is the science and practice of cultivating soil and farming.
Tourism
Industry
Correct answer: Agriculture
Q4.
In 2023, woodlands only covered __________ of the total land in the UK.
83%
23%
Correct answer: 13%
Q5.
Match the percentage the UK that is woodland to the correct year.
Correct Answer:4000 BC,90%

90%

Correct Answer:2000 BC,50%

50%

Correct Answer:1900 AD,5%

5%

Correct Answer:2024,13%

13%

Q6.
What has happened to the amount of woodland in the UK since 1900?
Correct answer: It has more than doubled.
It has remained the same.
It has halved.