Was led astray in the ancient woods (6)

I believe the answer is:

wealds

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'the ancient woods' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'was led astray' is the wordplay.
'astray' is an anagram indicator.
'was'+'led'='wasled'
'wasled' with letters rearranged gives 'WEALDS'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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