Worcestershire's Ancient Tree Project

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Background

The project set out to take forward the work begun by the Worcestershire Recorders (namely John Tilt and Harry Green) in developing a Register of Ancient Trees for the county.

Worcestershire's Ancient Tree Project has been running since 2000 and received a big boost in July 2007 with a two-year grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to the Worcestershire Recorders. This enabled a part-time project officer to be employed to coordinate the project. Worcestershire Biological Records Centre now hosts the Register, and although funding has ended Worcestershire Recorders and Worcestershire Biological Records Centre would very much like you to carry on recording.

WBRC and Worcestershire Recorders Logo
recorder measuring one of the countys biggest trees

Recording one of Worcestershire's largest trees

Photo: Rebecca Lashley

Project aims

  • Build upon and maintain a Worcestershire Register of Ancient Trees
  • Fill in gaps on the Register through recruitment, training and supporting people to record ancient trees within their parish
  • Raise awareness of how important ancient trees are to our landscape and its wildlife
  • Try to ensure that both the current and next generation of ancient trees are well managed and protected from damage

Why are ancient trees interesting?

Ancient trees are of huge value historically and culturally because of the link they provide between the communities living in the county today and the people and forces that have shaped the landscape over many hundreds of years. They also support a wealth of wildlife in the decaying wood and cavities within the tree - from birds, bats and fungi to many species of insect.

Worcestershire is a county rich in ancient trees, for reasons including our Royal Forest heritage and the presence of a swathe of 'ancient countryside' across the western and northern half of the county.

ancient tree at Great Witley

Tree at Great Witley

Photo: Rebecca Lashley

ancient tree with rot cavity

Tree with rot cavity

Photo: Rebecca Lashley

How do I recognise an ancient tree?

Trees we are interested in are:
  • Those which have reached a significant age and size compared to others of the same species
  • Those which show 'veteran features' such as decaying heartwood, hollowing, loose bark, stag heading, cracks and cavities

Please look at the Get involved and Resources and Links pages for further info on how to ID and record ancient trees.

Worcestershire Biological Records Centre

Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcestershire, WR3 8SZ
Email: records@wbrc.org.uk
Last updated September 2023

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