The AONB Nidderdale Tree Wardens have been recording veteran trees throughout the area during the last five years, with the help of a Local Heritage Initiative grant.   We have learnt a lot, enjoyed ourselves, and now have an illustrated data base of over 400 trees.  The work continues to provide a resource that will be valuable for the future.

 

The importance of this survey work is acknowledged countrywide.  The UK is internationally recognized for its veteran trees those which have reached full maturity and are approaching the ancient stage of their lives, when they begin to decline and provide unique ecosystems and harbor an amazing range of life, including rare insects, birds, bats, fungi and lichens.  

 

The ecology team at North Yorkshire County Council has also started a recording scheme.  As Matt Millington, NYCC biodiversity officer, says " Our deer parks and estates, like Studley Royal, contain many fantastic examples, but there are many trees scattered on old hedge lines, in woods, farm fields and even village greens.  We are keen to identify these, to celebrate them and help ensure they are correctly managed."  The NYCC volunteers will be surveying county-wide outside the AONB, and the combined effort will add to our knowledge of these amazing trees.

 

Tree recording is a fascinating and enjoyable business but it does need people.