Ancient Tree Forum


August 2008 'Woodland Initiatives Update' July 2008		The woodland initiatives network is hosted by the Small Woods Association and supported by the Forestry Commission, Natural England and a partnership of initiatives. Woodland Initiatives July 08 Main Document pdf (199KB) Woodland Initiatives July 08 Social & Community Forestry pdf (66KB)

August 2008 NIEA Research and Development Team announce new publication in the Research and Development series Wood Pasture and Parkland Scoping Study 2006 by Alexander, Lucas, Smith, Hope and Wright		Ancient wood pastures and historic parklands are rich and complex ecosystems and home to many rare, vulnerable and threatened species. This report details the results of an extensive survey of veteran trees and their associated fungi, lichens and insects in six Northern Ireland sites known for their parkland and wood pasture landscapes; Castle Coole, Castle Ward, Drenagh, Glenarm, Baronscourt, and Caledon. These particular sites were selected because they had not been intensively surveyed before and to provide a geographic spread of sites across Northern Ireland. The study revealed high levels of diversity associated with veteran trees in parkland and wood pasture. The Great Deer Park in Glenarm was found to be an outstanding site, which was of UK and possibly even European significance. A total of 483 veteran trees were investigated in Glenarm and 78 species of lichen and 181 species of fungi were recorded. Of the 181 species of fungi in Glenarm, 14 were new to Northern Ireland and 8 new to the island of Ireland, with 10 species on the provisional European red list and 4 on the provisional British red list. This important study has confirmed the great nature conservation value of the veteran tree populations surviving within historic parklands in Northern Ireland and makes recommendations for their management and protection. Wood Pasture and Scoping Study 2006 pdf (644KB) Further Natural Heritage funded research reports can be found via the Natural Heritage Research and Development web pages

01 August 2008 Good news for the Parliament Oak by Karyn Stander Sherwood Forest Trust		Karen has written to us with good news, she says 'The Parliament Oak has for a number of years been in a really shocking state with fly tipping, a ramshackle old fence and damage to the area around it. The main problem was no one knew who owned it. thanks to a fine bit of detective work by my colleague Adam it seems it was gifted by a local landowner (who happens to now be one of our Trustees!) in the 1940�s to the Welbeck Estate. After quite a bit of negotiating, the Estate have legally agreed to gift the tree to us at the Trust! In the last few months, Notts County Council have spent thousands on carefully tidying up the area and installing a new interpretation board. Mulch from neighbouring Thoresby Estate was used beneath and beyond the drip zone.

30 July 2008 Heritage protection closer for ancient trees - Tree Council welcome findings of Select Committee		The campaign for recognition of green monuments has rceived a boost from the Select Committee on the Draft Heritage Protection Bill following a strongly worded recommendation over omissions. Published today, the report of the Committee notes that the Bill �represents a significant opportunity for reform, but its incompleteness and the absence of the associated secondary legislation has left the Committee guessing about whether important issues may have been missed by DCMS and DCLG which might otherwise not be evaluated again for many years� . It goes on to recommend that the two departments review a number of matters, and in particular asks for �further consideration of the designation of Ancient Trees as heritage assets [�] on the basis of their age and close association with people and events; and identification of responsibility within central government for the establishment of a national record of these assets� - the primary objective of the Green Monument Campaign. Read full press release pdf (163KB)

19 July 2008 Gwynedd Farmer shows way ahead for Wales� Ancient Tree Heritage As Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones sees for herself how to record ancient trees at the Royal Welsh Show, Tuesday 22 July at 4.30pm		Andy Kehoe and his family, who run a 120 acre farm at Llandyg�i near Bangor, have become the latest Welsh farmers to register trees which may date back to the time of Cromwell as part of the Ancient Tree Hunt project, which aims to compile the first ever full inventory of the UK�s oldest, fattest trees. There are around 15-20 ancient or veteran trees on his farm, Tyddyn Isaf, which has been in his family since his uncle�s great grandfather, Daniel Jones, became a joiner on the Penrhyn Estate in the 1850s. Full press release pdf (103KB)

June 2008 We have saved the Mestres pine in Vilallonga del camp! Many thanks to all!"		In Vilallonga, near Tarragona in Spain, stands the Mestres pine, considered to be the last surviving Pinus Pinea and catalogued as a Monumental Tree of Catalonia. This centennial tree was planted by Josep Mestres i Miquel (1868-1945)in 1898. A medical doctor, politician and agronomist, he founded a Chair of Agriculture and was chairman of the council of Tarragona (1913 -1915), in addition to forming part of the first Executive Council of Catalonia and becoming president of the Medical Association of the province of Tarragona. Despite being protected by Decree 215/1987, June 9, of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Red El�ctrica de Espa�a (Spain�s power network company) has requested partial logging of the tree in early April 2008. Read full article

June 2008 Green campaigners vow to save Norwich Beech tree by Kate Scotter Norwich Evening News		A row has erupted over the future of one of Norwich's trees. The Evening News reported earlier this month that Norwich City Council had drafted in tree experts to carry out state-of-the-art decay detection tests on some of the city's trees. One of the trees that came under scrutiny was the beech tree on Dereham Road. Tree consultants from Tree Care discovered, by using a Picus sonic tomography unit, which uses sound waves to detect decay, that the 40ft tree had decayed by 31pc and that the damage was off-centre and towards the road. Experts fear the tree could topple over into one of the city's roads and the city council is considering felling it. But green campaigners have vowed to save the tree, saying there must be something the council could do Full press release pdf (31KB)

June 2008 Gloucestershire Orchard Group Newsletter Issue 13 Spring 2008		Visit our GOG website www.orchard-group.org.uk/glos GOGaims to conserve, promote and celebrate traditional orchards in Gloucestershire Deadline for next Newsletter: 1 September 2008 Send articles to Secretary/Editor Ann Smith by email smithcovell@btinternet.com Or by post to: 109 Orchard Way, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 2AP To join GOG, please also contact Ann Smith. Further details/events pdf (930KB)

April 2008 Raiders of the lost bark: the last crusade by James Douglas The Telegraph		James Douglas on the group fighting to save Britain�s venerable yew trees � a heritage for the world. A new history of the yew tree describes Britain as a veritable Noah's Ark of outstanding veterans. According to its author, Fred Hageneder, we have the highest density of them in Europe. Worldwide, the only comparable stands are those in Turkey and the Caucasus, which, unlike our own gloriously accessible giants, are largely concentrated within impenetrable mountain forests. Read the full article

April 2008 'Stop the loss - big trees matter' Press Release		A new government report on trees in towns and cities has revealed trends of decreasing new tree planting and increasing threats to our older trees. Broadcaster and environmentalist, Professor Chris Baines, has teamed up with tree experts, Jeremy Barrell and Neville Fay, to emphasise the temperature buffering benefits that trees offer to urban life. Emerging research is indicating that a small increase of just 10% in our urban green space may be sufficient to buffer the temperature rises in cities from global warming anticipated during the 21st Century. In a bid to emphasise the importance of big trees, the trio head an international list of speakers in a landmark conference, Trees: they key to climate proofing our cities, to be held at the Royal Geographic Society in London on 10 July 2008. Full press release pdf (561KB)

April 2008 Forestry Commision publishes Survey Report on bleeding canker of Horse Chestnut		The Forestry Commission today published the results of a survey that indicates the extent of symptoms of bleeding canker of horse chestnut trees throughout Great Britain. The condition has been affecting increasing numbers of horse chestnut trees in recent years. Bleeding cankers are lesions that ooze or "bleed" liquid from the trunks or branches of trees. In the case of horse chestnut, some trees eventually die, some recover, and others have to be felled for safety reasons because the condition weakens the trunks or branches until they are in danger of falling. For several decades small numbers of horse chestnut trees have been known to suffer from bleeding cankers caused by one or the other of the fungus-like organisms Phytophthora citricola or Phytophthora cactorum. Infection rates stayed at a low level and therefore did not cause concern. News release Survey report

April 2008 The Special Trees and Woods Project is hosting a FREE art competition		Inspired by the Chiltern woodlands? Enter this free art competition for a chance to exhibit your work at the River and Rowing Museum, Henley and The Hat Factory, Luton. Art work of any medium, inspired by a Chilterns wood, is welcome before 17th October 2008. See attached flier Pdf (328kb) Visit the Special Trees and Woods website for more details Why not enter for a chance to exhibit your work and win a prize?

April 2008 Swedish spruce may be world's oldest living tree Stockholm (Reuters) By Niklas Pollard		Scientists have found a cluster of spruces in the mountains in western Sweden which, at an age of 8,000 years, may be the world's oldest living trees. The hardy Norway spruces were found perched high on a mountain side where they have remained safe from recent dangers such as logging, but exposed to the harsh weather conditions of the mountain range that separates Norway and Sweden. Carbon dating of the trees carried out at a laboratory in Miami, Florida, showed the oldest of them first set root about 8,000 years ago, making it the world's oldest known living tree, Umea University Professor Leif Kullman said. further reading...

April 2008 'Bridging the Gap' Notes from a workshop held at the University of Hull 27/28 March 2008 By Keith Alexander		This workshop was organised by Nicki Whitehouse and Jane Bunting. The objective of the meeting was to bring together conservationists, ecologists and palaeoecologists to discuss how to use the understanding of past ecosystems to help manage ecosystems and sites today. The title of the meeting was "Bridging the gap: identifying and addressing the barriers which limit the use of long-term palaeoecological and historical studies in conservation, management and restoration planning and policy". The purpose of the workshop was two-fold. Firstly, to present some early results of a NERC funded research project which Nicki, David Smith, Jane Bunting and several other collegues are involved in and discuss some of the issues raised, especially regarding the nature and structure of the "Wildwood". The second part of the meeting was concerned with discussing how the environmental record informs our understanding of landscapes and ecosystems and how to facilitate cross-disciplinary discussion amongst practitioners. For Keith Alexander's personal review of the conference see his report

April 2008 Hollies Appeal We've done it! Shropshire Wildlife Trust's purchase of The Hollies on the Stiperstones		A grant from the Tubney Trust towards Shropshire Wildlife Trust's purchase of The Hollies on the Stiperstones, means that the appeal target of �250,000 has now been reached and the purchase can go ahead. It has been the Trust's most successful appeal ever with more than 600 people contributing a total of �35,000. A substantial Heritage Lottery Fund grant, awarded in December, helped make our target achievable. "The Hollies has struck a chord with everyone who has visited it," said John Hughes, development manager for the Trust. And people who have never seen it before have sought it out as the result of the publicity. We're absolutely delighted to have reached the target and would like to thank everyone who has contributed so generously." read more....

January 2008 TheWildlife Trusts 'The Great Trees of Derbyshire' Newsletter Autumn/Winter		Time is moving on with the Great Trees of Derbyshire Project and as winter arrives we are taking stock of what has been achieved through the project so far. Much of this success is down to our volunteer surveyors so a big thank you goes out to you all for your efforts! We hope you enjoy reading the newsletter

December 2007 'Yew' A History Book by Fred Hageneder Review by Russell Ball Chartered Biologist		This is an extensively researched (300+ pages) book regarding one of our most curious trees. One that is the oldest tree species in Europe (at 15 million years old), bears no cones but is a conifer, can be found from Edinburgh to NW Africa but due to massive demand for longbows during the Middle Ages and more latterly for an anti-cancer drug (paclitaxel), is now rare and endangered in the wild. The author, Fred Hageneder, examines all aspects of this fascinating tree, ranging from its distinct biology, morphology, toxicology and extraordinary ability to naturally regenerate (allowing yews to live for thousands of years) through to its unique ecological niche and survival strategy. Book cover (jpeg 6KB) Book Review pdf (29KB)

December 2007 Ancient trees found using 200 year old map by Paul Eccleston Telegraph		Maps more than 200 years old are being used to help find and protect Britain's natural treasure house of ancient trees. Historical maps help reveal how landscapes once looked when vast swathes of the country were covered in forest. The Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity, launched the Ancient Tree Hunt last summer to find, record and preserve our oldest trees. The project aims to create a database of at least 100,000 ancient trees by 2011 and is relying heavily on the public to scour their own areas for suitable candidates. Full press release

December 2007 Ancient trees found using 200 year old map by Paul Eccleston Telegraph		Maps more than 200 years old are being used to help find and protect Britain's natural treasure house of ancient trees. Historical maps help reveal how landscapes once looked when vast swathes of the country were covered in forest. The Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity, launched the Ancient Tree Hunt last summer to find, record and preserve our oldest trees. The project aims to create a database of at least 100,000 ancient trees by 2011 and is relying heavily on the public to scour their own areas for suitable candidates. Full press release

November 2007 Special Trees and Woods of the Chilterns Project		Out now! The Special Trees autumn newsletter pdf (1003KB) or follow the link to their website for stories behind some of the special trees and woods of the Chilterns.

November 2007 Bid to save ancient holly trees BBC News 24		Shropshire Wildlife Trust has launched a �250,000 appeal to save a 400-year-old grove of holly trees. The Hollies is a 90-acre piece of land on the Stiperstones nature reserve in Shropshire. It is being sold by a local farmer and the trust has until March 2008 to raise the money.......more

November 2007 'The Importance of trees' Article by Jo�o Pedro Barros Featuring the Woodland Trust's Jill Butler and Ted Green		The article describes the work that Ted Green and Jill Butler have been doing around the world, stressing the importance of ancient trees and trying to make them respected as monuments. �They are not just heritage, they are living heritage. A cathedral is just stone, the paintings on the wall were made by just one person, but these trees, if you believe in God, were made by Him. And some have over 1000 years, they are older than Portugal or England. We have a moral duty to look out for them�, says Ted Green in the article. Green and Butler travelled to Portugal to attend an event organized by the Portuguese Arboricultural Society, and visited some of the most important tree sanctuaries in the country. The duo said it was a mistake �not to come earlier� and were impressed with some ancient practices that are still passed from older generations in the Portuguese countryside. The magazine in which the article was published is called Tabu, which is a supplement of the weekly newspaper Sol which sells around 60.000 copies per edition. The article was written by journalist Jo�o Pedro Barros.

November 2007 "Tree danger causes forest alarm' Part of the Sherwood Forest visitor centre has been closed off after cracks appeared on an ancient oak tree BBC News		Park ranger David Wright said about a third of the centre has been cordoned off due to safety reasons. A report will be sent to English Nature before officials can decide the fate of the tree, which is thought to be more than 600 years old. Mr Wright said the attraction was running as normal and the tree would only be cut down as a last resort. Read full report

November 2007 "The Memory Of Trees Digital Photographic Contest In memory of Joseba Plazaola Autumn 2007		The aim of the competition is to reward the best images that reflect the theme: - 'trees as silent witnesses to what is happening around them, trees that keep our memories' alive.' Photographing those trees that accompany us thoughtout life's journey and remain green when we are here no longer. Details pdf (30KB)

November 2007 Traditional Orchards Natural England Draft Orchard Management Technical Information Notes Published		Natural England have been drafting a series of Technical Information Notes (TINs) on orchard management. As well as Agri-environment scheme advisors and those people entering such schemes, the TINs are also aimed at anyone else involved in orchard management. They refer to the management of traditional orchards which would be eligible for agri-environment schemes but have avoided specific mention of scheme rules and prescriptions in the TINs in order that they can be used more generally. Also available is an Illustrated Guide on orchard management, which is designed to give a basic introduction to the kinds of features that are important within a traditional orchard, and how they should be managed. This and the TINs should be available shortly to download for free from the Natural England website naturalengland.twoten.com/NaturalEnglandShop In the interim these may be viewed as a series of PDF files on our Resources Page.

05 November 2007 Autumnwatch BBC 2 at 8.00 pm Monday to Thursday		Join Bill, Kate and Simon for some spectacular animal action. Autumnwatch starts on Monday 5 November. Autumnwatch survey. Spot and record signs of Autumn on the Woodland Trust Website

November 2007 Oswestry Royal Parklands Event		Shropshire County Council are to hold a smallish event in the Oswestry Parklands at the end of November to coincide with national tree week where they will announce the intention to have an 'Oswestry Royal Parklands Project' to get these parklands into active management and into countryside stewardship, to celebrate these landscapes, bringing in history and specifically the veteran trees. After securing �10K of biodiversity money, a small local group of people have begun to raise awareness of the Oswestry parklands with the help of Shropshire Council. For further information regarding the 'Oswestry Royal Parklands Project' please contact Shaun.Burkey@shropshire-cc.gov.uk

October 2007 Friends of the Rusland Beeches Press Release		National Tree Week........... sees a campaign aiming to help beech adapt to climate change by reclassification of beech in Cumbria from non-native to New-Native. Beech woodlands in Cumbria and the north are under threat from their classification as �non-native.� In the south they are classified as native but are under threat from climate change. Grants are available to fell non- native species and it takes a vigorous campaign to prevent clearfelling once grants and felling licenses are given. It sounds great to return woodlands to native species but beech woods and individual veterans are part of northern heritage. Many have disappeared and continue to disappear due to this �non-native� classification. South Lakeland Friends of the Earth and Friends of the Rusland Beeches say it is time to stop this ethnic cleansing of beech trees in Cumbria and reclassify the beech as �new-native� Contact: Marianne Bennett Tel: 01539 563 671 email wildart@mariannebirkby.plus.com

September 2007 New Stag Beetle Leaflet Available from People�s Trust for Endangered Species		Surrey Biodiversity Partnership have brought out a great new leaflet about stag beetles. They are one of the largest insects in the UK (they can grow larger than a matchbox in size) and they are one of most charismatic beetles we have. These beetles are really important in relation to old decaying trees. To discover some really fascinating facts, reasons for their decline and how you can help download pdf (1128KB)

September 2007 Towards a tree protection regime fit for the 21st Century Our call for evidence to support our proposed changes		Ancient, champion and notable trees (Green Monuments) often fall through existing protection measures. We have set out a suite of changes that we think would be more effective. We would welcome your comments on our proposals and any evidence you may have on how the system currently fails our heritage trees. Please email us with your observations and comments.

September 2007 New! 'Man-made Eden' Historic Orchards of Somerset and Gloucestershire Book by James Russell		This rich, wide-ranging book takes a long historic look at changing fashions and fortunes � asking why thirteenth-century monks and Edwardian landowners planted orchards, and why post-war governments paid farmers to destroy them. The author argues that Apple Day (October 21) should be made our national autumn holiday. He examines the role of Common Ground, the National Trust and other organisations in preserving and restoring orchards, and asks: what can we do to make our orchards as profitable as they were in centuries past? Advance Information pdf (418KB) ISBN 978-1-904537-75-5 : 240mm x 200mm 160pp, with extensive colour illustrations Softback �15 Publisher: Redcliffe Press Ltd Publication October 2007 James Russell has written for the Daily Telegraph, the Guardian, Countryman Magazine, BBC History Magazine, British Heritage, Somerset Life, the Bristol and Bath Magazines, Venue and many other publications.

August 2007 A book about traditional pollards in Spain 'The black poplar pollard in the south of Aragon, the icon of a landscape. Forgotten heritage' 'El chopo cabecero en el sur de Aragon, la identitad de un paisaje. Patrimonio olvidado' By Chabier de Jaime Loren and Fernando Herrero Loma		A lovely book from Spain that celebrates the very special landscape in the south of Aragon. Here only black poplars can grow in the valleys and they are lined by traditional pollards which look glorious especially in spring and golden in autumn. This is one of a series of books celebrating the forgotten heritage of the area.

12 August 2007 'Ancient Forest Found In Hungary' By The BBC's Nick Thorpe in Budapest		An ancient forest of cypress trees, estimated to be eight million years old, has been discovered in Hungary. Archaeologists found the 16 preserved trunks in an open cast coal mine in the north-eastern city of Bukkabrany. The specimens were preserved intact while most of the forest turned to coal thanks to a casing of sand, which was perhaps the result of a sandstorm. It is hoped the trees may offer experts a valuable insight into Earth's climate eight million years ago. Full story

03 August 2007 Joy Over Veteran Tree Discovery Forestry Commission News Release		Forest chiefs who couldn�t see the wood for the flowers are rubbing their hands in glee after discovering veteran trees hundreds of years old. About a dozen previously unknown specimens have been found in 200-acre Shining Cliff, near Ambergate, Derbyshire, after Forestry Commission workers hacked their way through a jungle of rhododendrons as part of conservation efforts. Left unchecked, the alien species would smother the ancient woodland site, choking the life out of trees and plants and damaging important wildlife habitats. Amongst the trees breaking cover for the first time in decades are gnarled old oaks and sweet chestnuts thought to be at least 300 years old Full press release

August 2007 Heritage Link Update New! MSc/Diploma in the Conservation of Historic Gardens and Cultural Landscapes		The University of Bath MSc / Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Historic Gardens and Cultural Landscapes still has places available for October 2007. The programme, based in the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, provides students from a range of backgrounds with analytical and practical skills and grounding in the theory and practice of garden and cultural landscape conservation and management, covering designed and evolving organic landscapes, complex cultural landscapes, and large landscape zones. The course can be taken one year full-time or two years part-time. On either route there is the equivalent of two semesters of teaching (full or part-time day-release) followed by a dissertation. For further information see www.bath.ac.uk/ace/conservation/Gardens/index.htm or contact Emma Greeley, Postgraduate Admissions Administrator, on 01225 386908 or at e.s.j.greeley@bath.ac.uk

July 2007 National Orchard Forum Newsletter Issue 10 Summer 2007		The National Orchard Forum Summer 2007 Newsletter now out to include; 'Old Orchards: the Essential Issues (Pershore Conference)' news from The Groups; tips and features. Download pdf (803KB)

July 2007 Dominican Republic Residents Rally to Save Trees By Carol J. Williams Los Angeles Times Service		In Santo Domingo, where political leaders want to promote 'native' vegetation and tourism a grass-roots drive has begun to preserve the foliage introduced by the conquistadores. To escape her stifling apartment, to unwind from her monotonous job, to tune out the squalor, noise and crime all around her, Josefina Filmont has long taken refuge in the cool, green embrace of the ancient mahogany trees skirting the fortress built here by Christopher Columbus' son. So when, without public debate or notice, a city chain-saw crew showed up in May and began felling the stately trees of her favorite park in the Colonial Zone, the 50-year-old clerical worker felt her last nerve snap..........full story

July 2007 Old oaks are special - proof from Sweden		An outstanding research project by Karl-Olof Bergman (2006) highlights the history and importance of old oak habitats in a Swedish context and calculates the minimum number of trees and areas necessary to achieve Ted Green's aim for a 'successional, sustainable, structural supply of oaks from acorn to ancient' Report and pics

June 2007 Rescue on the way for Anne�s tree? Is or isn�t the Anne Frank Tree doomed to die? Tree experts disagree By Patrick Meershoek		Green leaves and blossoms all over. For a tree that�s lethally ill the chestnut in the garden of 188 Keizersgracht certainly looks very healthy. Sylvio Mutal, who lives near the Anne Frank House, has a spectacular view from his window of the ancient tree, about which Anne Frank wrote in her diary on 13 May 1944: �our chestnut tree is in full bloom, from top to bottom. It is full of leaves and much more beautiful than it was last year.� As a consultant to Unesco, Mutal (73) used to develop plans for the preservation of cultural heritage in Ethiopia, Peru, Mali and Cura�ao. Now he has set his sights on protecting the Anne Frank Tree in his own back yard. In cooperation with alarmed local residents and tree experts Mutal attempts to prevent the cutting permit that the Amsterdam Centre District Council issued for the tree from actually being used. Further information pdf (23KB) News Item

June 2007 Can't See The Trees For The Wood Forestry Commission News Release		Historic trees �some thought to be around 1,000 years old � can stretch out at Savernake Forest in Wiltshire, thanks to a project that puts these veterans centre stage. Throughout the winter local contractors have been hard at work in Savernake Forest to enhance the unique character and wildlife value of the forest. Forestry Commission, Natural England and DEFRA have jointly funded this restoration work to enhance the biodiversity value of this most important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Veteran trees, some of the oldest and most valued features of the forest for visitors and wildlife alike, have been given more room to grow in order to prolong their life-span. Historic avenues have been re-opened, old ponds restored and scrub cleared in the forest-wide project. Full Press Release

28 June 2007 Find An Ancient Treasure In Your Own Back Yard! Public Launch of the Ancient Tree Hunt		The Ancient Tree Hunt is a five-year project, led by the Woodland Trust in partnership with the Ancient Tree Forum and the Tree Register of the British Isles. It is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action, Scottish Natural Heritage and supported by the Forestry Commission Scotland; and will be working with local partners across the UK. Joining the Hunt are the Tree Council, The Caravan Club, The National Trust, English Heritage, Forestry Commission and HM Prison Service, over 100 regional and local groups, and many landowners. Visit this exciting website

28 June 2007 Welcome to Rupert Bear's Ancient Tree Hunt		�Hello everyone, I�m Rupert Bear. I�m leading the hunt for old, fat trees, called ancient trees. They are amazing because they give plants and animals a special, safe place to live. We need to look after them. Me and my friends have a great time playing in the wonderful, woodland world of Nutwood. Now it is your turn to explore! You will have so much fun, exploring the great outdoors hunting for old, fat trees and giving them a bear-hug. Tell me all about it and you can earn your very own thank you certificate. See you soon! Follow me

June 2007 'The Ancient Yew Group' News Update		Read the Ancient Yew Group's resum� of most recent events: pdf (54KB Visit their website

May 2007 'Why are Leaves Green?' A Tree Miscellany New Book from the Tree Council		A colourful guide to everything you ever wanted to know about trees. Answers to many frequently-asked questions about trees, like: When should I prune my trees? Which is the world's oldest tree? Does ivy kill trees? Intriguing, surprising and amazing facts about trees - Inspired by Tree Wardens. Available from the online shop

April 2007 'Veteran Trees for the Future' New Leaflet Trees with a story to tell and experiences to share Ashampstead and Burnt Hill Commons		The project is sponsored and funded by the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and covers Ashampstead and Burnt Hill Commons on the Yattendon Estates. It is being carried out by volunteers working in their own localities and is monitored and guided by the Friends of the Pang, Kennet and Lambourn Valleys. Data will be added to both the AONB database and the Ancient Tree Forum on-line database. View leaflet pdf (3MB)

30 April 2007 'Nature' BBC Radio 4 9.00pm - 9.30pm		The Plum Prospects for Orchard Conservation Traditional orchards in England, which have steadily declined in the last 50 years, are now being proposed as a priority habitat under the review of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Brett Westwood explores the importance of old orchards for wildlife and finds out what new conservation measures would mean. Monday 30th April from 9.00pm - 9.30 pm

April 2007 Special Trees and Woods of the Chilterns Project		Out now The Special Trees latest newsletter Follow the link to go straight to the pdf file to read about the latest celebrations, forthcoming events and blasted trees!

March 2007 'The Trees of Great Britain and Ireland' By Henry John Elwes		"Trees of Great Britain and Ireland" originally 1906 reprinted 1979. Loads of detail about remarkable trees in British Isles covering seven volumes. onlinebooks.library

March 2007 'The Nature of Devon' Devon Inventory of Parkland Sites		The Devon Biodiversity Action Plan, 'The Nature of Devon', contains action plans for 37 species and habitats that are of key importance to Devon. Among these is an action plan for Parkland & Wood Pasture......more pdf (102KB) view The Devon BAP

March 2007 Great New Employment Opportunity! Greenwood Tree Project Officer (Part Time) Dorset Wildlife Trust		The Dorset Greenwood Tree Project is a new 2-year project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund which aims to promote public awareness, celebration & conservation of ancient & veteran trees across Dorset. We are looking for an officer to take this project forward from the start. To galvanise support and enthusiasm among the general public for ancient trees. In doing so act as an ambassador for ancient trees and promote their natural, cultural and historical heritage value. Boost parish-level engagement in survey and protection work, provide specific advise on conservation measures and where necessary oversee practical work. Job description pdf (28KB)

05 March 2007 'Trees, Climate, Risk' BBC Radio 4 9.00 pm - 9.30pm		Paul Evans assesses the future of our urban trees. As climate change threatens stronger winds and wetter weather, and housing in our towns and cities becomes ever denser, is our fear of trees and the risks they pose putting the Victorian legacy of the urban forest in jeopardy? [Repeated Tue 11.00am]

March 2007 Countryfile comes to the AONB! Sunday 4th March 2007 11.00am on BBC1		On Monday morning the team from BBC Countryfile arrived in the South Shropshire village of Norbury to film the work of The Norbury Walls Group for the next edition. The programme will also feature the Linley Beeches group, paragliding from the Long Mynd, the Wenlock Edge and Stiperstones. Photo 1 j.peg (107KB) Photo 2 j.peg (88KB) The pictures show wallers Terry Betton (left) and Dave Marpole with the production team and Dave Marpole (right) debating the finer points of walling with presenter Adam Henson.

February 2007 Fight To Save Historic Trees From The Axe by Elinor Glynn Ulster Newsletter		The fight is on in North Antrim, Northern Ireland, to save one of the Province's most historically important group of trees from the chainsaw. Known locally as 'the dark hedges' and reputedly haunted by a spectral 'grey lady', the trees, which form an arc over the road, are thought to be around 300-years-old and have become a much photographed natural monument in the Ballymoney borough. Although they are covered by a TPO the local Roads Service have requested that some are felled because of safety issues. Press Release pdf (16KB) Photo

19 January 2007 New! Now available 'Our Living Heritage' the Woodland Trust Introduction to the ATF Leaflet		The Ancient Tree Forum and the Woodland Trust work together to ensure our ancient trees are given national and European recognition, managed sustainably and registered on a UK map. Further Details and pdf (332KB)

15 January 2007 Britain'sWoodlandWonders: Protecting our Natural Heritage Report by Jack Watkins and Simon Usborne of 'The Independent'		While Britain's most important buildings are awarded blue plaques, its historic trees are left to wither and die. Jack Watkins reports on a new campaign to protect our natural heritage, and Simon Usborne tells the tales of ten national treasures which include, The Major Oak in Sherwood, The Parliament Oak and Newton's Apple Tree. To discover the three principles behind a potential National List of Trees of Special Interest and read the full Press Release download pdf (59KB)

January 2007 'Tina's in search of Magnificent Trees' Histree Trail Project on the Isle of Wight'		A National Lottery-funded project to identify and record the Island's most magnificent trees and their heritage is now underway. Tina Williamson, Project Officer, Isle of Wight Histree Trail Project, is currently promoting this two-year project and is seeking contributions of candidate historic trees from the local people of the Island. She says "We're looking for magnificent trees and stories that go with them. We want to know about the trees in your area - and especially the things you know about them. Perhaps someone famous planted a tree, or maybe it marked the spot where something once was. Or it could be personal to you - your mum used to tell you a story about it! If you want to get involved please contact me." To get in touch with Tina Williamson, or provide details which might be included within the project please either call the Park and Countryside section on 01983 823893. Opening times: Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 5.00pm Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm or email histreetrail@iow.gov.uk more information pdf (995KB)

December 2006 'Eat a Tree' Shotover Wildlife Group Report by Andy Heaver		Shotover Wildlife Group's "Eat a Tree" event was an immense success. Despite the horrendous weather last week, and ominous forecasts, they had almost 70 people show up (and the weather cleared up very nicely). Lots and lots of enthusiasm from participants, excellent positive comments, and, because it was publicised in the newspaper's food pages rather than the usual countryside pages, lots of new faces who might not otherwise have attended. The crab apple jelly, made from the fruits of their 150 year old ancient apple went down a storm. The younger children were hunting for parcels of hazelnut chocolate hidden amongst one of the hazel groves, and there was a feast of chestnuts, birch-sap wine, maple syrup, beech-smoked mackerel pate, etc. etc. against the backdrop of the old university arboretum trees. The piece de resistance, however, was a fantastic chocolate creation donated by some of our more imaginative members and volunteers; an "educational display of deadwood habitats" created out of chocolate logs, lots of carefully iced chocolate bark and a few sugary jelly slugs and snails to represent invertebrate diversity. recipes

November 2006 Special Trees and Woods of the Chilterns Project		Out now The Special Trees and Woods of the Chilterns Project third project newsletter containing an article by Ted Green, news of the forthcoming art exhibition, and details of the monthly training workshops. details

November 2006 Camperdown Elms Under Threat Camperdown ,Victoria, Australia		Carol Eagle sends us this report : "Have been reading your site with interest after linking to it from news@firstscience.com on an article on elm trees. In Camperdown Victoria Australia, we have an avenue of some 500 elms, planted from 1876 to 1960, which stand in a regal double row through the centre of our town. Unfortunately, the shire has decided to cut them all down, even though it has been suggested by a leading arborist that this is perhaps the most impressive avenue of elms left standing in Australia and possibly the world. Their attitude is that as some of the trees (very few) are senescent, they will all have to be removed eventually, so it might as well be now. As you can see from the photos, this is a tragedy, and a small group in our community is fighting to have it stopped." view photos pdf (1MB)

16 October 2006 'Hearts of Oak' Forestry Commission News Release Make-over for ancient woods at Castle Howard		Gnarled oak woods dating back to medieval times are being given a fresh lease of life at Castle Howard, North Yorkshire. The Forestry Commission and Castle Howard Estate have sealed a far-reaching agreement to restore up to 600-hectares (1,500-acres) of ancient woodland, including oaks more than 500 years old. Forest chiefs have backed the plan with �90,000 over the next five years under the English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS). Work will take many decades to complete and will involve gradually removing non-native species, like conifers and sycamore, from key sites identified as ecological hotspots. That will allow trees including oak, rowan, birch and alder to flourish, together with wild flowers. Full news release pdf (80KB)

September 2006 Archive Awareness Campaign - the theme of this year's campaign is 'Woods and Neighbourhoods'		Following the successes of Archive Awareness Campaign in 2004 and 2005, archives across the UK and Ireland will once again be showing you the treasures that lie within! The theme of this year's campaign is 'Woods and Neighbourhoods' so look out for archive events this autumn about trees, the wood trade, maps and even 'copse and robbers'! AAC is now an ongoing campaign, supported by The National Council on Archives, The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and The National Archives. Through a series of events throughout the year it aims to celebrate and uncover the amazing wealth of material contained within archives to a wider audience. For more information on how to get involved in this year's campaign please visit www.archiveawareness.com or contact Elise Oliver on 020 8392 5237.

September 2006 Scheme to Safeguard Historic TreeProves Successful		A scheme to safeguard the future of Exeter's most historic tree has proved successful, it has been revealed. The Heavitree Yew, situated in the grounds of the St Michael and All Angels Church in Exeter, is thought to be at least 500 years old. The distinctive yew, a sideshoot of an original tree thought to have been the meeting place of Saxon kings, which gave Heavitree its name, was declared one of the 50 most important trees in the country by the Tree Council to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. read full article

26 June 2006 Nature programme 'Phoenix trees explained' BBC Radio 4 9.00pm		Paul Evans investigates the world of phoenix trees, plants which could potentially live forever. Instead of growing old and dying, trees of many species are capable of re-inventing themselves by re-growing from slivers of bark, rooting down into their own rotting trunks or even growing from branch tips and walking across the landscape over thousands of years. Paul meets the scientists studying these trees and the remarkable partnership they have with fungi. Repeated BBC Radio 427 June 11.00am - pictures

June 2006 New! Now available Ancient Tree Guide No 2: Trees in Historic parks and landscape gardens		This new 12 page colour leaflet is for landscape designers and gardeners, owners and property managers. Its all about nurturing the �air of antiquity� that ancient trees give our most historic landscapes. Download a pdf (792KB) Or send for a free copy

May 2006 Support our call for a statutory register of gardens and designed landscapes in Scotland		Historic Scotland is currently seeking views on its proposed policies for these historic sites � many of which include historic and ancient trees. Find out more about what is proposed

May 2006 One of Scotland�s Heritage Trees collapses		Scotland lost one of its oldest and finest sycamore trees on 11 May 2006. The fine specimen which has stood for 450 years to the front of Newbattle Abbey, in Dalkeith, collapsed in a modest gust of wind and crashed to the ground. Our Scottish representative Donald Roger sends his report and pictures

15 May 2006 Mediterranean Cork Oak Forests under threat Report by WWF By Steve Connor 'Independent'		Up to three quarters of the unique cork oak forests of the Mediterranean could be lost within 10 years because of the increasing popularity of the screw-top wine bottle. The move away from traditional stoppers made of cork threatens the survival of one of Europe's most important wildlife habitats, according to a study by the conservation group WWF. "The cork oak forests could face an economic and environmental crisis unless we take action to secure their future now," said Rebecca May, WWF's forests campaigner. It is vital that the wine and cork industries maintain the market for cork stoppers and in turn help ensure the survival of the cork oak forests," she said. Full press release pdf (53KB)

March 2006 Planning for Biodiversity and Geological Conservation A Guide to Good Practice Prepared by ODPM, Defra & English Nature		Planning shapes the places where people live and work and the country we live in. It plays a key role in supporting the Government's wider economic, social and environmental objectives and for sustainable communities. This guide has been prepared jointly by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and English Nature. It has been developed in close collaboration with organisations and individuals involved in planning and nature conservation. Full Document pdf (243KB)

March 2006 Special trees and woods of the Chilterns (Part of the Chiltern Woodlands Project) issues their first newsletter		Managed by Liz Manley and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project aims to record special trees and woods throughout the Chilterns Natural Area. Liz is recruiting a team of volunteers to support the project in a number of ways, including collecting information such as old photographs, estate records and oral histories. Find out more - Download pdf (159KB) or Contact Liz Manley:- Tel: 01844 355525 - email

22 March 2006 'The Oak Tree' BBC Radio 4 Daily 3.45pm		Peter France narrates the extraordinary story of a thousand-year-old oak tree in Northumberland - from its germination from an acorn in Anglo-Saxon England to the threats it faces in the 21st century The acorn which germinated as a sapling in an Anglo Saxon hedge is now a mature tree. It's winter, and whilst the oak appears lifeless, insects seek out shelter in its fissured bark, squirrels chase one another up and down its trunk and a mistle thrush sings from its highest branch.

January 2006 Amazon trees much older than assumed, raising questions on global climate impact of region		Trees in the Amazon tropical forests are old. Really old, in fact, which comes as a surprise to a team of American and Brazilian researchers studying tree growth in the world's largest tropical region. Using radiocarbon dating methods, the team, which includes UC Irvine's Susan Trumbore, found that up to half of all trees greater than 10 centimeters in diameter are more than 300 years old. Some of the trees, Trumbore said, are as much as 750 to 1,000 years old. Study results appear in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "Little was known about the age of tropical trees, because they do not have easily identified annual growth rings," added Trumbore, a professor of Earth system science. "No one had thought these tropical trees could be so old, or that they grow so slowly." Some of the older trees found in the study included economically valuable species. For example, three Brazil nut trees measured in the study ranged in age from 680 to 1,000 years.

January 2006 'The largest trees of Hungary - Dendromania' A New Book by Gy�rgy P�sfai		A wonderfully illustrated new book has been published about ancient trees in Hungary. The author � Gy�rgy P�sfai, a biochemist by profession � set a considerable task to himself: to find and record every tree in the country with a girth of more than 600 cm. (Not aiming at a full list about fast-growing species, such as poplars or willows.) His list (compiled through five years of fieldtrips) contains 140 such trees, and appears reasonably complete for oak, lime, sweet-chestnut and the (non-native) plane. There are many more, smaller trees in the book, the whole database includes 366 items. A most useful addition is GPS coordinates for every tree.

11 January 2006 Nominate the mighty oak as a national icon Woodland Trust urges supporters to back oak tree as a key cultural treasure		They fired our furnaces, were the backbone of our homes, our ships and with their ancient spiritual links epitomise strength, good health and longevity � so now it�s time to recognise the impact of the oak on our cultural roots. Full Press Release

January 2006 An Inventory of Important Veteran Tree Sites in Dorset		This inventory endorsed by Dorset Environmental Records Centre lists the most important sites in the county describing the habitat types and landscape importance. It also describes tree form and key species in the county. The ecological interest of the veteran trees is explained with particular emphasis on fungi, lichens & inverts in terms of Dorset importance. A short chapter on where to find veteran trees is included as well as a map of the 40 sites together with some photos. For further details email sean.cooch@english-nature.org.uk

December 2005 "Within The Pale" The Story of Sheriff Hutton Park By the Sheriff Hutton Women's Institute Community Pale Project Edited by Ed Dennison		Sheriff Hutton Park lies north-east of York, to the south of the village and its' two castles. This book traces the fascinating story of the medieval deer park, from its' creation right through to the present day. This book covers not only the Park but the Castles and the topography of the village and contains something for everyone, with detailed landscape history to rigorous academic standards as well as stories about the people who lived in and about the park. download pdf (22KB)

19 December 2005 Forestry Commission Hunt Launched for Special Trees in South-West Scotland		The hunt is on for Galloway and the South-West's most special trees. Tall trees, old trees, rare trees, wide trees, trees with historical, cultural or scientific significance, and trees that are just plain weird and wonderful are being sought for inclusion in a book that will celebrate Scotland's most special, or "heritage", trees. The book will be the second, enlarged edition of the popular "Heritage Trees of Scotland", which was published in 2003 and celebrated 100 special Scottish trees. For further details and to take part

December 2005 The Secret Life of Trees How They Live and Why They Matter By Colin Tudge NHBS		Colin Tudge has a fine reputation as a natural history writer who can take complicated ideas and express them with clearness and passion. His new book on trees looks set to become a classic reference, in the mould of Oliver Rackham's `History of the Countryside.' Details

November 2005 ENRR 628 Development of a veteran tree site assessment protocol		In this Research Report, English Nature has published a protocol for assessing sites on the basis of their veteran tree populations. The primary criteria that are used are based on numbers of veteran trees, numbers of ancient trees and numbers of trees greater than 1.5m dbh on a site. Further details

23 November 2005 National Tree Week kicks off with an example of how Environmental Stewardship is helping owners of veteran in field and hedgerow trees		Folly Farm, Compton Dando, Somerset is a great example of how funding from Defra can help. Defra and RDS are committed to the preservation of trees, management of woodland boundaries and offer a range of funding for farmers and land managers. Previously under CSS, and now under ES, farmers and land managers can receive money in return for managing parts of their land such as hedgerows, in-field trees and pastures in a way which encourages biodiversity and protection of the landscape. Full press release

01 September 2005 Ancient Trees, Living Landscapes By Richard Muir Tempus Publishing		Richard Muir, the author of many very readable books about landscape history, has now written about ancient trees and how they have been a vital component of the living cultural landscape from prehistoric times through designed landscapes to modern times. A must. Publishing date 1 Sept 2005 Follow this link to order your copy

September 2005 New web site for Le centre europ�en des trognes		In "La Perche" region, people call them 'Trognes' - they are mostly oak and hornbeams, cut at least above the bovine's teeth to produce wood. By having their "heads" cut, they take on a strange and often funny "mug". Explore Le Chemin des Trognes and Le Sentier Botanique at the Maison Botanique in Boursay through the new web site www.maisonbotanique.com

23 August 2005 RSPB publishes two new guides to help with practical management of lowland farmland and woodland birds. Both are full of valuable advice on how to manage a range of habitats based on the latest scientific findings and have detailed information on key species of concern.		The handbooks look at the ways changes on farms and in our woods have led to declines in birds � in some cases dramatic declines. The lowland farmland bird guide includes a chapter on the management of hedgerow and in-field trees. See pdf flier (0.5MB). The woodland management guide includes guidance on woodland structure including decaying wood. See pdf flier (0.5MB) Copies are each �14.95 plus �4.95 p and p � an order form is included with each flier.

August 2005 PPS 9 is out and is strengthened in relation to ancient trees! Fantastic news!		Aged or �veteran� trees found outside ancient woodland are also particularly valuable for biodiversity and their loss should be avoided. Planning authorities should encourage the conservation of such trees as part of development proposals.� PPS 9 - the recently published document Planning Policy Statement 9 � Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, specifically mentions ancient trees and the wording in relation to ancient trees has been strengthened! See bold statement above. This is the most marvellous boost for our ancient tree campaign. Please tell us if you think is good news and how we can use this to greatest effect. Click here to download PPS9

06 July 2005 Ancient Yew Group launches new web site. �The UK is probably unique in Europe in having a priceless resource of ancient yews (those with 1,000 years plus).�		The group launches this new web site which is the most comprehensive record to date of the oldest, veteran and most significant yews in Britain. See the yew gazetteer � 800 sites with details on line. Find out about lost yews Talk with the yew forum Search the yew bibliography

05 July 2005 Keepers of Time � a statement of policy for England's native and ancient woodland		Jim Knight, the Forestry Minister says �this policy sets out a vision where ancient woodland, veteran trees and other native woodland are adequately protected, sustainably managed in a wider landscape context, and will provide a wide range of social, environmental and economic benefits to society'. Full text of the Policy as a pdf (5MB) Full text of the Action Plan as a pdf (5MB)

28 June 2005 Bat Mitigation Guidelines English Nature 2004		These guidelines have been developed to help those in planning and development where bats are known or suspected to occur. Mitigation guidelines pdf

27 June 2005 New booklet - Champion Trees: A selection of Ireland's Great Trees by the Tree Council of Ireland		Listing 1,200 trees by county. The booklet can be obtained by contacting Tree Council of Ireland, Cabinteely House, The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Ireland email: trees@treecouncil.ie and the entire register can be viewed at National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. It can also be accessed on-line at www.treecouncil.ie/treeregister.html Mary Keenan, Chairman of the Tree Register of Ireland acknowledged assistance received from the Tree Register of the British Isles.

05 May 2005 Muchas trasmochos - Helen Read and Ted Green go on Basque TV to talk about their heritage of old pollards.		The Basque country of Northern Spain is wonderful for its landscapes of mainly beech and oak pollards. The staff of the Natural Park, Aiako Harria recently welcomed a small group of ATF members to discuss their management. Read more, pictures

27 April 2005 Are Basque oaks the toughest of them all?		Photos taken in 1898 and again in 2005 prove that a fallen oak has lasted more than 100 years on the ground. To read more and see pictures

6 April 2005 Lithuanian oak, to get some special care		Looking a bit like the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, the tree in Lithuania, is in dire need of some special care. pictures and more

9 March 2005 Budding Dorset Ancient Tree Forum group calls for members		The Dorset ATF is now inviting expressions of interest to become members to help promote the celebration, conservation, management and knowledge base of Dorset�s outstanding ancient and veteran tree resource. More details

9 February 2005 David Kidney speaks out for ancient trees in an adjournment debate in the House of Commons.		David Kidney MP says: �Throughout time, trees have played a vital part in human life � providing food, shelter and a spectacular landscape. Trees have a special place in our culture and heritage. They form links with our history and they provide habitats for many animal and plant species. �Yet in our existing laws and planning policies we provide surprisingly little protection for trees. As many communities can testify, Tree Preservation Orders provide less than complete protection from unscrupulous developers. Planning Guidance has advised on nature conservation, but has neither stopped harmful development nor providing incentives to owners to look after their trees. And in the case of the country�s most ancient trees, paradoxically, they get the least protection � because Tree Preservation Orders do not apply to trees that are �dead, dying or dangerous�. - full press release The debate was shown on BBC TV Parliament - For the full transcript of the debate

2 February 2005 UK has the biggest obligation to European conservation		David Kidney MP in joint call with tree-loving author Bill Bryson for parliamentary action For more information see the press release on the Woodland Trust website -

27 January 2005 ATF supporters are green with envy at the massive new funding for giant trees announced by Sweden.		Sweden has launched an Action Plan for Trees with High Conservation Values, which has a budget reaching 35 million pounds to be spent over ten years. The Plan is focused on ancient and giant trees (as a priority), avenues, pollards,trees in churchyards and urban environments. For more information

17 December 2004 Surrey gets down to the business of sorting out a comprehensive inventory of ancient woodland and ancient trees in the county.		Surrey has appointed Helen Stanley as the new Woodland Heritage Project Officer. The project is a result of a partnership between Surrey Wildlife Trust, Surrey County Council and the Forestry Commission � to download a copy of their first newsletter

26 October 2004 Manchester Poplar aka Native Black Poplar � what is its future and will the �new� disease affect other areas of the country		Read Red Rose Forest Report on the latest situation and what actions can be taken. Download report

26 October 2004 Cornwall�s own Ancient Tree Forum sets a trend and launches our first England county group.		Read all about the inaugural meeting of the Cornwall Ancient Tree Forum held in February this year. Presentations by Keith Alexander, Nick Clark and Peter Herring. Download PDF

October 25 2004 Deadwood � Living Forests WWF report		WWF launch their report into the state of decaying wood habitats in European Forests and found critically low levels in many European countries. View press release and report

October 2004 Stansted 50 years Hatfield Forest 1000 years� Show some respect		Find out how you can help this incredibly important site for ancient trees Further details SAVE HATFIELD FOREST FROM STANSTED EXPANSION

September 2004 Aged and veteran trees � new proposals to protect them from development		PPS 9 - the recently published consultation document Planning Policy Statement 9 � Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, specifically mentions ancient trees. This is the most marvellous boost for our ancient tree campaign. Please help to support this fantastic new initiative by responding to the consultation document before Thursday 9 December 2004. Further details. Joint Response, December 2004

September 2004 Fencing the Mowbray Oak has helped secure its well being.		Tree Officer, John Clayton, has sent us photos of the Mowbray Oak three years after he helped to fence it off from the rest of the field. Since then the surrounding land has been cultivated. We are now using these pictures in our new Ancient Trees and Farming Leaflet. Pictures and leaflet

September 28 2004 Chinese ancient tree workers tell us about their new book �Ancient Sweet Osmanthus in China		Dr. Liu and Wang Xian-rong from the College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University are just in the process of editing their new book. They tell us that there is very rich resource of ancient trees in China. For pictures of Sweet Osmanthus trees and some captions in English

Latest ATF news