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The Princethorpe Woodlands Living Landscape Partnership scheme was established in 2004 by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Originally it only covered 406 hectares (now 618) centring on Ryton Wood SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), Wappenbury Wood and Old Nun Wood. Although these woodlands are still very rich in wildlife there were increasing concerns over habitat fragmentation and wildlife becoming more vulnerable to change. As a result the Trust looked into the wider landscape, scaling their approach to include a further 17 woodlands in the landscape. In order to achieve the objectives of the project the Trust has needed to work in partnership with over 14 other organisations all fully committed to trying to protect, restore and enhance the largest collection of semi-natural ancient woodlands in Warwickshire.

The woodlands are home to 34 of the 35 butterfly species found in Warwickshire and important for a number of other nationally rare species including; dormouse, wood white butterfly, dingy skipper butterfly and small leaved lime. Both nationally and regionally, large areas for conservation are recognised as important for wildlife because they are able to support a greater diversity of species, are more robust in terms of population genetics and enable species to adapt to the long term impacts of climate change.

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