Mapping changes in the UK's forests
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use maps and data sources to identify changes in the UK's woodlands and forests.
Key learning points
- Without the influence of humans the UK would mainly be woodland and forest.
- Woodlands in 2023 covers 13% of UK land.
- Woodland has been cut down through history to make way for farming, settlements and transport links.
- Old and new maps can be compared to identify changes in woodland over time.
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
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
Historical and modern maps of the local areas. Use of digital mapping software like Digimaps.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In the UK which is larger, a wood or a forest?
Q2.Which type of forest does this describe?
"Older trees have been removed and different trees planted. Usually non-native trees."
Q3.Recent plantations are planted to:
Q4.Which of these names would suggest ancient woodland?
Q5.Which of these names would suggest a recent plantation?
Q6.Ancient woodland might:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. is wood that has been cut down and prepared for use in industries.
Q2.__________ are those that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs.
Q3.__________ is the science and practice of cultivating soil and farming.
Q4.In 2023, woodlands only covered __________ of the total land in the UK.
Q5.Match the percentage the UK that is woodland to the correct year.
90%
50%
5%
13%
Q6.What has happened to the amount of woodland in the UK since 1900?
To help you plan your 5 geography lesson on: Mapping changes in the UK's forests, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 geography lesson on: Mapping changes in the UK's forests, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 geography lessons from the Local and global: why are trees and forests important? unit, dive into the full primary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.