Recording ancient trees

Tree recording is best carried out between November and April when leaves are off the tree or still very small. When trees are in full leaf it is difficult to see and photograph their structure clearly.

This page contains downloadable guides and resources to help with recording, including the project Tree Recording Guide (see right), recording form and guides for identifying trees and leaves (see below). Further useful information may also be found in the Resources and Links page.

Sending records in

Wherever possible we would like to receive records electronically using the recording form. This can be emailed to records@wbrc.org.uk or posted to WBRC using the address below.

Each record on the form should have an accompanying, but separate, full-length photograph of the tree. Digital photographs can emailed to WBRC or sent in batches on a CD. Prints can also be posted or scanned and converted into digital files. In order to help with processing please give forms and photographs a matching unique reference number. Your name and sequential number is usually best e.g. Jones001, Jones002 etc.

A useful helpsheet providing guidance with working out grid references can be found here.

What happens to my records?

The records collected through the project will be kept at WBRC and shared with the county Historic Environment and Archaeology Service.

The Woodland Trust is the lead partner for the national Ancient Tree Hunt project that is collecting ancient tree records from all over the UK. Our Worcestershire trees are being incorporated into this project too.

Along with other organisations, The Woodland Trust is campaigning nationally for greater recognition of the importance of our ancient trees and for them to receive better protection. Mapping and documenting each tree is essential to achieve this. Hopefully it will also help to justify campaigning for greater financial resources to continue raising awareness and improving our knowledge of how best to look after them.

Project training event

Photo: Rebecca Lashley

Worcestershire's Ancient Tree Project