Analysis of the morphological variation shown by eight populations of Tilia in Derbyshire indicates that they are composed of T. cordata, T. platyphyllos and hybrids. The occurrence of Tilia is correlated with a characteristic age structure of the woodland and the presence of several other species of very restricted distribution. It is suggested that these limited areas of woodland are of considerable antiquity, whereas much of the present woodland which is dominated by Fraxinus excelsior and Crataegus monogyna is of relatively recent origin.