July 06, 2010 -- The GeoInformation Group (TGG), a leading supplier of geospatial data and services, has recently won a contract with the Forestry Commission, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Woodland Trust to revise the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) in Wales and to create the first inventory of Wales’ wood pasture.

As part of this project, TGG will create a definitive digital map on the location and boundaries of ancient woodlands and wood pastures with a far greater degree of precision than was possible in the previous inventory.

The TGG production team will use modern aerial photography, newly available OS 1st County series maps (early 1800s), and the Forestry Commission’s latest National Forest Inventory as reference to create a map-based record spanning over two million square hectares.

The new inventories are expected to bring to light around 20,000 hectares of previously unrecorded ancient woodland, as well as recording wood pasture for the first time. They will be used to prioritise actions for restoration, for example by gradually replacing conifers with native trees, and by dealing with threats such as invasive species. They will also be supplied to Local Authorities for use in decisions on planning applications, giving these ancient habitats greater protection against development.

Dr Small, Knowledge and Evidence Manager for Forestry Commission Wales, said:
"Twelve companies submitted bids for this tender, and there was stiff competition. However, all five independent assessors were impressed by The Geoinformation Group's understanding of the project, excellent technical expertise and competitive pricing, and TGG emerged as clear winners."

The new inventory, is expected to be complete in March 2011.