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A fallen lichen-rich ancient tree in Gregynog Great wood
Putting out a fire in an ancient tree
Wood plates prevent access to hollow ancient tree
Good practice in tree safety |
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Ancient trees are a precious part of our heritage but they
need care and attention in order to survive into the future.
Recent management practices are outlined in the handbook - those that have
worked and those that have not. But it is important to realise that because
a technique has worked well on one individual or group of trees, due to
their unique responses to environmental conditions, it does not necessarily
mean that it will work on others.
Management should only be carried out if it is necessary.
When managing ancient trees it is important not only to think about the tree
but the management of the land surrounding it. Know your site and your trees
and to have as much information as possible on the historical background and
current conservation values and status of the site which can be used to
inform the management process.
Management may:
- prevent an ancient tree from
collapsing prematurely
- remove the threats that cause the
tree to die or collapse
- Create the next generation of ancient
trees
For details of tree management see the excellent Handbook - ‘Veteran
trees – a guide to good management’ edited by Helen Read. It is available
from English Nature price £15 or down load from their web site.
Details
For good advice on tree safety see the Visitor Safety in the Countryside
Group’s position statement on good practice for tree-related public safety
http://www.vscg.co.uk/good-practice/published/tree-safety-management |
