Information on Loughborough

Record the oldest trees in Leicestershire and Rutland

Posted on 07/07/2007
P. Klein

tree at sunsetA project to record the oldest trees in Leicestershire and Rutland is appealing for more recorders to join its tree hunt.

Conservationists from Leicestershire County Councils Community Heritage Initiative, a project established with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Rutland County Council, are encouraging people to send in details on the ancient trees of our countryside. To assist recorders the project has a simple survey form to record information about the tree and the wildlife features and also guidance on how to age a tree.

Records from the project will be shared with the Woodland Trust to be included in their national five year Ancient Tree Hunt, which was launched recently.

The survey for ancient trees has been recording trees for the last decade, with over 1000 key trees recorded to date. The oldest tree documented is actually referred to in the Doomsday Book and is in a private garden in Rutland. Ancient trees are important not just as a landscape feature, but also they provide important shelter and food for many species of birds, bats and insects.

The survey records basic features and ageing the tree is based around simple measurements of the tree trunk girth. Volunteers are therefore urged to give a tree a hug! For a free leaflet and survey form contact the Community Heritage Initiative Holly Hayes, 216 Birstall Road, Leicestershire, LE4 4DG. Telephone: 0116 267 1377, email: chi@leics.gov.uk or go to www.leics.gov.uk/celebrating_wildlife