There is evidence of woodland management in Cumbria going back to Neolithic times where pollen records show widespread changes in species composition of woodlands in line with the production of Stone axes on a large scale.
The Romans were also known to have a significant presence in Cumbria and with that came further management of woodlands to provide them with food, timber and firewood and the middle ages saw continual management of woodlands for differing products including building materials, weapon making, tool manufacture, boat making and many more.
If you manage ancient woodlands, it's highly likely you will have archaeology in there.
Much of the recent archaeology visible in our ancient woodlands was driven by the demand for charcoal and potash. Woodlands were managed and coppiced to provide wood for making charcoal, which could be used for smelting or making gunpowder. The demand for Potash from the tanning industry meant kilns were built throughout the area. Those working in the woods needed to live there, so huts are found and easily identified throughout the woodlands that were being managed.
The woodlands of the South Lakes were a hive of activity during the industrial revolution. The combination of transport links, natural resources and investment from Furness Abbey meant this was a highly productive area.