Blue Remembered Hills
Veteran Trees
A dedicated group of 45 volunteers have been out and about in the Shropshire Hills on the hunt for veteran trees. To date, they have recorded, and surveyed, a massive 852 old trees! Records include some remarkable and record breaking trees, such as The Tugford Ash, Bringewood Lime and the rowans at Brook Vessons Nature Reserve. Our records are also forwarded to the National Veteran Tree Database via The Woodland Trust.
From the trees recorded by volunteers, 40 will receive a specialist survey and management plan. The management plan gives veteran tree owners in-depth information on their tree and recommendations to help them care for it in the future. 24 surveys and plans have been completed to date and a further 16 will be carried out in 2006.
The criteria used for selecting the 40 trees, includes historical and cultural importance, significance in the landscape, public access, if they are a named tree or have a story to tell, much loved by local people, their size and age, and co-operation and interest from the trees owner.
Practical tree works will also be carried out on six trees which are considered at risk and will benefit from tree surgery. James Heap has already completed work on the Holt Preen Oak, Norbury Yew, Uppington Yew, Heath Poplar and Shelderton Oak.
For further information click here for The Woodland Trust website.