Frith Wood is an Ancient Woodland and a Local Wildlife Site, having existed since at least 1500. It has survived because people have used it in different ways over the centuries. Originally it had smaller trees, with pasture for animals underneath. The trees were cut to make branches for fuel and fencing.
The tall trees you see today are a modern kind of woodland, mostly planted since the 1940s when trees were felled during the Second World War. As well as the beeches and other stately trees, Frith Wood is prized for its woodland indicator plants which reflect its great age. As well as Bluebells and Wood Anemones, Wood Barley is also found here, a nationally scarce plant.
The area of Frith Wood owned by Chalford Parish Council is now actively looked after so that its plants, trees, birds and other wildlife can all thrive. If some trees need to come down, this creates space for others, and light for all the plants on the woodland floor. If you see messy, scrubby areas, these will be home to birds that prefer that environment. Piles of dead wood rot down and provide homes for creepy crawlies which are the foundation of the wood.