The 2,000 acres, near Symonds Yat, has been described as one of the best examples of its kind in Europe.

The area, on banks of the River Wye, will be part of the Ravine Woodlife Project for the next three years.

Organisers say the half a million pound grant will be used to fund conservation work which will help to preserve the ancient woodland.

The habitat has been threatened by over-grazing, invasion of non-native trees and the decline of woodland management.

The project will involved removing trees which are not native to the area and carrying out coppicing work.

Surveys of the archaeology and ecology of the area will also be carried out and paths and ancient tracks will be maintained.