This species is listed as Least Concern, since it has not declined by more than 25% in the last ten years, its Mediterranean extent of occurrence (EOO) is larger than 20,000 km² and its population size is probably larger than 10,000 adult individuals.

A central and east European species. It occurs from eastern and central France (Cher and Allier to Ardennes and Savoie) via southeast Belgium, north Germany and north Poland eastwards. Also from northern Italy via the Balkans to north Turkey and the area in between. Above 400 m asl in the Ardennes and up to 2,200 m asl in the Alps. Also in Asia Minor, the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, the Urals and south Siberia, north China and north Mongolia. The global distribution area of the species is situated both within and outside the Mediterranean region.

A local species, restricted to (semi-) natural areas. Often restricted to mountains. Distribution reported as fragmented in the Mediterranean region of France (Dupont pers. comm. 2012).

The Woodland Ringlet occurs in many different habitats. It can be found on damp, flower-rich grasslands and rough vegetation near or in woodland, in marshes, but also on calcareous grasslands. Its foodplants are various grasses, such as Purple Moor-grass (Molinea caerulea), fescues (Festuca spp.), Tor-grass (Brachypodium pinnatum), Upright Brome (Bromus erectus), Wood Millet (Milium effusum) and sedges (Carex spp.). The caterpillar is active at night and mostly hibernates when half-grown, but at very high altitudes it may hibernate twice. It pupates in the litter layer and usually has one generation a year. However, the development from egg to butterfly may take one or two years.

This species is not believed to face major threats in this part of its distribution.

This species occurs in a number of protected areas across its range. No specific conservation actions are needed.