Veteran Tree Surveys
Veteran Tree Survey Spreads its Range
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. The Tree Wardens would be delighted to welcome
new volunteers, who will be trained in the simple recording
process. Your walks will benefit from a heightened interest and
appreciation once you start spotting and recording veteran
trees.