Ancient Tree Forum

February 2004 Double click to enlarge pictures Ray Woods and supporters of the Ancient Tree Forum taken at the reserve in 2001		Ray Woods, who moved to Brecknock in 1976, has accumulated lichen records for the county ever since. His new book covers the 731 species of lichens that have been recorded from the Watsonian vice county of Brecknock. It provides a brief description of the extent and habitat preferences of each species and to improve the usefulness of the flora the author has also given a conservation threat status for each one. Ray writes that woodlands with significant numbers of ancient trees in the county are now scarce. However the Elan Valley still retains a small area of ancient pasture woodland on the RSPB’s Carngafallt Reserve which is well worth a visit (see picture of the author and supporters of the Ancient Tree Forum taken at the reserve in 2001). Ray indicates that the Elan Valley woods taken together achieve a Revised Index of Continuity of 100 which is 50 points above the next highest achieving site. Of the 57 species found in Brecknock especially on ancient trees, 6 are threatened according to revised IUCN categories and 14 are species, which may be frequent in at least parts of Britain, but are scarce or threatened throughout much of the rest of the world. Coed y Ciliau, a wood partly owned by the Woodland Trust also rates highly with a RIEC of 30. Further information: Also copies can be obtained from Ray Woods Ty Mawr Mill Llanfihangle Brynpabuan Builth Wells Powys LD2 3SH

Ancient trees are very important for lichens in mid Wales