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What is a veteran tree? Different
species of trees have different rates of growth and
therefore different life spans and so the age at which a
tree is classed as a veteran will also vary. The girth
of a tree can give a good indication of the age but this
alone is not a reliable characteristic and other factors
need to be considered such as:
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If the tree has holes or hollows
in its branches and trunk.
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If there is a lot of deadwood wood
present in the crown or around the base of the tree.
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If the tree is supporting other
growths such as fungi, lichens, moss or ivy.
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If it is home to insects, birds
and other wildlife. If the answer is yes to the
presence of most of these characteristics then there
is a good chance the tree will be a veteran.
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The great age, size and
condition of these trees make them a unique
and vital habitat for wildlife. Veteran
trees are a cherished feature of the
landscape adding to its atmosphere and
giving a richness to the countryside and
it’s for these reasons that we should do all
we can to help protect them. What are the
main threats to veteran trees?
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Damage by natural
causes such as drought, strong winds,
fire and flooding.
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Development of land
for housing or industrial use and the
disappearance of old parklands and
woods.
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Disturbance or
inappropriate management of the land
immediately surrounding the tree such as
ploughing too close to the roots or
compaction of the soil above the roots.
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Stifling by other
trees in newly planted woods.
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Major or permanent
change in the environment of the tree,
such as change in the ground water level
or pollution.
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Poor or inappropriate
tree surgery or management, such as
tidying of a tree by the removal of dead
wood, cutting back too hard or
management carried out at the wrong time
of the year.
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Misunderstanding that
has led to many veteran trees being cut
down as they were thought to be dying,
diseased and dangerous.
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Agricultural
intensification leading to the removal
of old hedgerows and the veteran trees
that formed part of them.
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What can be done to help veteran
trees?
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Create a root protection zone
around each ancient tree. A guide for this is 15
times the diameter of the trunk or 5 metres beyond
the canopy to avoid undue damage to the root system.
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Avoid applying or using
fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides near tree
roots or trunk.
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Limit the time and frequency stock
graze or congregate near ancient trees. * Do not
tidy the tree. Leave dead branches on the tree or
where they have fallen.
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Do not pollard or rejuvenate the
tree without consulting specialists.
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Avoid ploughing too close to the
roots and avoid compacting of the soil by trampling
or by vehicles.
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Do not put soil or waste materials
around the base of the tree and do not allow toxic
materials such as fuel, oils or road salt come into
contact with the tree.
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Do not remove climbing plants such
as ivy as they can usually be supported by a veteran
tree without it suffering damage and is also a great
habitat for wildlife.
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Allow standard trees to grow
through the hedge.
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And finally…. plant a tree! This
is a long term investment, some of these trees will
go on to become veterans in the future thus ensuring
that our plants and wildlife will never lose out on
these wonderfully rich and unique habitats.
If you would like any further
information please contact Rebecca Price at Gwent
Wildlife Trust on 01600 740600
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