Ancient Tree Forum

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Ancient Tree Forum


April 2012 Woodland Matters Public Affairs at the Woodland Trust New SSSI for ancient and veteran trees		If you had been visiting Castle Hill and Windy Pits 12 or more years ago, your journey into this part of the Forestry Commission’s publically accessible forest in Rye Dale near Helmsley would have been dominated by the dark and dense shade cast by western hemlock and other conifers. The gloom would occasionally be relieved by glimpses of recent small clearings or ‘haloes’ cut in the canopy around ancient oaks to release them from the suffocating shade. The Veteran Trees Initiative, that ran from 1996-2000, led by English Nature (now Natural England) was at its height. There was growing awareness of the serious risk to light-demanding ancient and veteran oaks of suffocation by being enclosed in dense conifer Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). more......

April 2012 Trees, people and the built environment Paperback (264 pages) by Forestry Commission		Proceedings of the Urban Trees Research Conference 13-14 April 2011. ICF hosted this event as its National Conference 2011 in partnership with: Arboricultural Association, Ancient Tree Forum, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (now part of The Design Council), Forest Research, Forestry Commission, International Society of Arboriculture (UK & I Chapter), Landscape Institute, London Tree Officers Association, Midland Tree Officers Association, Myerscough College, National Association of Tree Officers, Natural England, Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Royal Town Planning Institute, Trees and Design Action Group, University of Manchester, Utility Arboriculture Group. Price Ł37.51 .......Details

March 2012 Common sense risk management of trees		This new guidance (Dec 2011 PDF 83KB) from the National Tree Safety Group is based on a set of basic principles for considering and managing tree safety in the public interest. The overall approach is that a balance should be struck between risks and benefits from trees. This document gives guidance summarised as: The NTSG believes that one fundamental concept should underlie the management of risks from trees. It is that the evaluation of what is reasonable should be based upon a balance between benefit and risk. This evaluation can be undertaken only in a local context, since trees provide many different types of benefit in a range of different circumstances. The NTSG position is underpinned by a set of five key principles: ● trees provide a wide variety of benefits to society ● trees are living organisms that naturally lose branches or fall ● the overall risk to human safety is extremely low ● tree owners have a legal duty of care ● tree owners should take a balanced and proportionate approach to tree safety management. The National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) is composed of a number of organisations with an interest in tree risk management.

March 2012 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)		The NPPF for England has been published (27 March 2012) In essence it reduces 1000 pages of planning guidance to just 50 and is intended to set the context for economic growth, environmental protection and localism for many years ahead. It appears that the worst excess of the consultation draft are gone. The blunt instrument which was the ‘default yes to development’ has been done away with. The definition of sustainable development has also been strengthened with the welcome inclusion of the five principles set out in the UKs Sustainable Development Strategy Securing the Future. download pdf (915KB)

March 2012 Woodland Matters Public Affairs at the Woodland Trust ‘New’ TPO regulations are an opportunity missed'		At the end of 2010 you helped us to campaign for changes to the proposed Tree Preservation Order (TPO) regulations for England, put out for consultation by DCLG (Department of Communities and Local Government). An amazing 2,800 of you specifically asked them to remove the exception for dead trees and a new exception that had been included for the removal of dead branches on living trees. In Scotland the TPO regulations are different and do not include these exemptions. Despite clear evidence that there is no real need, in England CLG have gone ahead and retained both the exceptions. Local Authorities do not make TPOs lightly. Many of the trees that are TPO protected play a very significant role in their communities and provide them with myriad benefits.The inclusion of these exceptions undermines the option a local authority has to protect something that is very vulnerable and important. Many of the trees that are TPO protected play a very significant role in their communities and provide them with many benefits. These exceptions stop Local Planning Authorities from making TPOs on those exceptional trees that have important wildlife and heritage value but have died, even if they may survive for many decades to come. Nor does the TPO continue to protect a tree that dies or any dead limbs that it acquires as it naturally ages. read more

January 2012 Massaria Disease of Plane LTOA & Arboricultural Association Position Statement		The London Tree Officers Association Massaria Working Group (LTOA MWG) has been set up to look into the problem of Massaria Disease of Plane (MDP) and communicate its finding with a view to ensuring good management practice is maintained in order to safeguard all the benefits and contribution to the community derived from the Capital’s London Planes. Download their position statement pdf (112KB)

January 2012 Herefordshire Parklands Project Newsletter 3		Hello everyone and Happy New Year. Welcome to the third volunteer newsletter and the first of 2012. The next few months can seem like they should be quieter for parkland recording, with many plant and animal species becoming dormant until the spring, shorter days and inclement weather. However, the winter can also be a good time to be recording certain archaeology and wildlife if the conditions are favourable, precisely because there is less obscured by leaves and vegetation. The training opportunities will be ongoing while the survey season starts in earnest, in February. Read Newsletter pdf (1505KB)

December 2011 'Trees are Good' Tree Care Information Benefits, Values, Care		The International Society of Arboriculture publishes a series of consumer education brochures that are available for purchase. However, ISA has also made the information available via the web site

December 2011 'The State of the UK’s Forests, Woods and Trees'		The Ancient Tree Forum have contributed to this new report which explores in more detail just how important forests, woods and trees are, but also the urgent need to turn words into action if we are to do them justice. In this International Year of Forests, the Woodland Trust felt it was important to bring together voices from across the sector. Twenty different collaborators have worked together to produce 'The State of the UK’s Forests, Woods and Trees' The consortium of groups, led by the Woodland Trust, represents a range of interests from timber production, to woodland conservation, to community participation. On page 60 PDF (465KB) is the piece from Caroline Davis on behalf of the Ancient Tree Forum

November 2011 Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association Tree Watch Issue 11 November 2011		Welcome to the November issue of Tree Watch. Once again the autumn colours are fantastic and remind us just how wonderful trees are! WDVTA continues to go from strength to strength. In the August issue I told you about our 5000th tree. I hope you all saw the piece about it in the Wokingham Times. If you missed it – follow the link on the home page of our website. November issue pdf (1075KB)

October 2011 Saving a Vancouver icon from destruction: the story of the Hollow Tree Vancover Observer Alexis Stoymenoff		The famous ancient Western Red Cedar that looms over Stanley Park finally received its official commemoration Wednesday, in a ceremony co-hosted by the Vancouver Park Board and the Stanley Park Hollow Tree Conservation Society. The tree has faced a long and arduous battle over the past three years, having been saved from imminent destruction and restored by a group of local citizens as a natural monument< Full article

October 2011 The Veteran Trees of Warwickshire Steven Falk 2011		Traditionally, much fuss has been made of old buildings and other historic man-made structures in our countryside and built environment. Rather neglected amongst all of this until recently has been concern over some of our oldest living features, veteran trees. Through a series of historic circumstances, the British countryside has come to support a far greater density of old trees than most parts of either Europe or lowland North America. They survive in our ancient hedges (which can be of medieval origin or older), former deer parks, and sometimes perched on the sides of steep hills where various potentially damaging agricultural activities have failed to reach them. Many have seen the landscape around them change out of all recognition as they have become swallowed up by urban sprawl or changing land-use. Deer parks may have become replaced by business parks or golf courses but the original trees sometimes survive e.g. at Stoneleigh Park. read the full leaflet

October 2011 New Guinness World Record for largest tree hug at Delamere Forest Forestry Commission England		Forestry Commission England has been awarded a new World Record for the largest tree hug, which took place on 11 September 2011 at Delamere Forest in Cheshire. Over 700 tree huggers joined forces on the day eager to set a new record, with participants gathered from as far afield as mainland Europe to join in the event and share the excitement. Teams in America and Nepal have attempted a largest tree hug record before but this is the first time it has actually been achieved. The world record attempt was organised as part of the Forestry Commission’s celebrations of the UN’s International Year of Forests. The Forest Discovery Day took place simultaneously at 28 of our major sites, with a host of different events taking place across England. more... pdf (81KB)

October 2011 Science News Study: Urban trees remove pollution		British researchers say trees can improve air quality in cities like London by filtering out pollution particulates that are damaging to human health. The urban trees of the greater London area remove somewhere between 850 and 2,000 tons of particulate pollution from the air every year, researchers at the University of Southampton said in a release Wednesday. read more pdf (303KB)

August 2011 Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association Tree Watch Issue 10 August 2011		This is a landmark issue of Tree Watch – not only is it the tenth issue – it marks the recording of our 5000th tree, a lovely oak in Bearwood Recreation Ground, Winnersh (see page 2). The other important news is that we have now formally joined the Tree Warden network (see page 3). Stephen Loyd is taking the lead here. There is a new web page and a new e-mail address: treewardens @ wdvta.org.uk We had a very entertaining and informative talk from Glynn Percival in July. We now have a rather different image of the royal corgis! His PowerPoint presentation is on our web site. flyer pdf (230KB)

August 2011 Scottish Hazel Woods		Ancient hazel trees dripping with lovely lichens. A feature from BBC Scotland's Landward, presented by Sarah Mack, featuring Gordon Gray Stephens (Scottish Native Woods) and Andy Acton (Lichenologist) Scottish Hazel Woods www.youtube.com

August 2011 The ATF Response to the Independent Panel on Forestry’s Call for Views		The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) seeks to raise awareness and understanding of the value and importance of ancient trees and advocates no further avoidable loss of ancient trees. Ancient trees are a type of Tree of Special Interest (TSI) which also includes notable, champion and other veteran and heritage trees. TSIs are important for biodiversity, heritage and landscape because of their size, age, condition or for their cultural connections. Read the full document pdf (140KB)

August 2011 The Great Trees of Cornwall HLF Project		The Cornwall Ancient Tree Forum is a network of interested people with an elected Board to help organise events, learning activities and undertake tree recording. Its latest project was “The Great Trees of Cornwall” managed by a project officer, Loveday Jenkin, who coordinated and planned a range of activities a learning CD for schools and extensive recording over the last three years to support the national ‘Ancient Tree Hunt’. The ‘Great Trees of Cornwall’ project came to a close at the end of June and the Forum will no longer have the staff and finances that came with it. However, the good news is that it was remarkably successful and now has a network of more than 200 volunteers, professionals and enthusiastic individuals, including yourself, who are interested in looking after the special trees of Cornwall. In order to plan for the next couple of years activities, we really need to know what resources and skills are out there and just what you would like to get out of the Forum. So please take a minute or two to complete the attached survey and return it to us by email, or the address below. We promise to keep you updated about the results of the Great Trees project and plans for next year. Survey pdf (132KB) Summer Newsletter 2011 pdf (3875KB)

August 2011 Swedes find 'world's oldest tree' BBC News Channel		Scientists from Umeaa University discovered the spruce on Fulu Mountain in Dalarna province while carrying out a census of tree species there in 2004. The age of its genetic material was recently calculated using carbon dating at a laboratory in Miami, Florida. Full article pdf (132KB)

July 2011 A review of the saproxylic invertebrate assemblages at Birklands & Bilhaugh Sites of Special Scientific Interest Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire Natural England Commissioned Report NECR072		Natural England commission a range of reports from external contractors to provide evidence and advice to assist us in delivering our duties. The views in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Natural England. This report presents the first comprehensive review and evaluation of the saproxylic (wooddecay) invertebrate assemblage of Birklands and Bilhaugh SSSI and Birklands West and Ollerton Corner SSSI in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire. Together these are recognised as one of the most significant localities for this fauna in Britain. ALEXANDER, K.N.A. 2011. A review of the national importance and current condition of the saproxylic invertebrate assemblages at Birklands & Bilhaugh Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. Natural England Commissioned Reports, NECR072. Read full report pdf (693KB)

June 2011 Deadwood in Historic Parks and Gardens - new English Heritage Advice Note		This Landscape Advice Note looks at how dead wood can be integrated in the presentation of historic parks and gardens that is:- ● in keeping with the aesthetics of the landscape design ● beneficial for wildlife. The Note also briefly considers duties of care to people, property and livestock. Download Advice Note pdf (4787KB)

May 2011 Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association Tree Watch Issue 9 May 2011		Check out: Issue No. 9 May 2011 of Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association Tree Watch. pdf (694 KB) Main items in this issue:- p2 AGM Surprises for Barbara p5 Great Yew Hunt – dissertation project p2 Rooks Nest Wood, Barkham p7 Commemorative and Notable Trees p4 Profile – Patricia Green p7 Verification Trial p4 Meeting with Remarkable Trees p9 Did You Know?

May 2011 Brazil's hard won reputation on forest protection now in Senate's hands WWF		Brasilia, Brazil: Brazil’s reputation as a country that is serious about preventing deforestation and minimising climate change is in the hands of the country’s Senate and president, following parliamentary approval of sweeping reductions to forest protection last night. “These changes are not in the interest of Brazilian society, and nature, go against Brazilian national and international commitments, and put climate stability at great risk,” said WWF-Brazil Conservation Director Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza. "For the narrow economic benefit of particular private interests, Brazil’s National Assembly is proposing to cast aside the basis of our country’s remarkable and much praised achievements in reducing the rates of deforestation." ”The dramatic surge in deforestation rates that has occurred just in anticipation of this law shows the sort of destruction that Brazil is looking at if the changes to the Forest Code pass the Senate and are accepted by the president.” Full article pdf (44.65KB)

April 2011 Judge orders National grid to stop spraying pesticide on insect rich habitat Wildlife Extra		Legal battle for bumblebee paradise: April 2011. Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust is fighting to protect a wildlife haven on the Isle of Grain in Kent from a huge National Grid warehouse development. This bug paradise is home to a variety of beautiful, rare and endangered insects including a large population of threatened bumblebee species. The Isle of Grain supports an exceptional area of Open Mosaic Habitat providing lots of pollen and nectar rich flowers, bare ground ideal for burrowing and basking insects and pools for aquatic beetles and bugs - a similar habitat to West Thurrock Marshes, a key wildlife site that Buglife fought to save in 2008. Read the article pdf (416kb)

April 2011 New Book 'Fungi on Trees' an Arborists' Field Guide Aboricultural Association		What makes this guide so different from anything else on the market is that for the first time decay fungi of amenity trees regularly encountered by arboriculturists are described with an array of representative photographs detailing stages in development as well as close up studio shots as an aid to identification. Price Ł15 To Order.....

March 2011 New Book by Antony Chessell 'The Braw Trees of Coldstream' An ageless tale of Coldstream’s braw trees Berwickshire News		Fascinated by his Coldstream surroundings Antony Chessell is now on to his second book about the area - this time focusing on the town’s ‘notable’, ‘veteran’ and ‘ancient’ trees. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Antony moved to Coldstream six years ago and his interest in the town’s wealth of different building styles led to his first book ‘Coldstream Building Snippets: ‘Cans, Quoins and Coursers’. The book describes many of the town’s old buildings, the surrounding area and the visible building techniques that were used. Now his second book ‘The Braw Trees of Coldstream’ provides the background for trees in and around the town and their setting within the Scottish Borders on account of their age, historical connections, location, or appearance. There is information on native and non-native trees and on the usefulness of the selected species for ornamental or practical purposes. “It is intended to be an ‘easy read’ and, above all, a book for ‘potterers’ like my ‘Coldstream Building Snippets’ for which it is really a companion volume.” said Antony, who describes it as “a living version of a listed buildings inventory”. read more pdf (107KB)

March 2011 Rare daddy longlegs fly in Sherwood Forest reveals value of ancient woods Evironment Times		Maybe when Robin Hood was thieving from the rich and the Sheriff of Nottingham was firing his arrows, the rare and strikingly coloured daddy longlegs fly, Ctenophora ornata, was a common sight. But for well over a hundred years this crane fly has disappeared from England to the extent that there have only been six sightings of the insect since the 1960s in just two areas, and the latest has just been confirmed to be from a new site - Sherwood Forest. Bug enthusiasts 48 year old Trevor Pendleton and his wife Dilys, spotted the crane fly on the trunk of a veteran tree in Nottinghamshire County Council’s Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve. Photo-Trevor Pendleton pdf (65KB) Full article pdf (248KB)

March 2011 Is the practice of haloing successful in promoting extended life? A preliminary investigation of the response of veteran oak and beech trees to increased light levels in Windsor Forest by Keith Alexander, Derick Stickler and Ted Green		Summary: Veteran oak and beech trees within Windsor Forest have been released from competing plantation and secondary growth – this type of work is often referred to as haloing. This paper reports a preliminary attempt to monitor the success of this management work in terms of the survival of 40 of the trees treated in 2003-4 and their responses in terms of reiterative and epicormic growth in response to increased light levels. The biodiversity values of the trees have also been examined. In general, the haloing work has been very successful, especially where the halo size was larger and where groups of trees were involved rather than single trees. Veteran oak benefited most from this work but there have also been clear benefits for some of the veteran beech. The biodiversity importance of these trees is well illustrated by the discovery of fragments of the internationally rare and legally protected violet click beetle, Limoniscus violaceus, in one of the released trees. Follow-up additional release work is now a priority if the benefits from the first phase of haloing are not now to be lost – the larger the area cleared of competing growth in the first phase of release the greater the benefit observed and the less follow-up work is needed. A tree monitoring form has been designed in order to aid documentation and analysis of the results of such conservation work. This should be adopted and further developed for use on other sites as so much of this type of conservation work is not adequately documented (whether for tree conservation or biodiversity); information is being lost and learnt lessons are not being shared. read the paper pdf (9MB)

March 2011 Is the practice of haloing successful in promoting extended life?		Each year the RFS (Royal Forestry Society) awards the James Cup to the author of the best article in their QJF. Congratulations to Helen Reid et al who came second with her paper on 'The current status of ancient pollard beech trees at Burnham Beeches and evaluation of recent restoration techniques' by Helen J. Read, C.P. Wheater, V. Forbes and J. Young A panel comprising 10 RFS members, drawn from across their broad-based membership, each submit a list of their five favourites – and the results are combined at the Tring HQ to decide the overall winner. This year, the judges cited 17 articles in all – with six different ones as first choices – showing yet again the breadth and quality of subjects covered in their QJF. The clear winner was ‘Minor Conifers in Britain – potential for silviculture and timber utilisation’ by Scott McG. Wilson in the January 2010 issue. In joint second place were: ● ‘The current status of ancient pollard beech trees in Burnham Beeches’ by Helen Read et al in the April issue and ●‘The roles of tree breeding and silviculture in disease control’ by Karen Russell and Peter Savill in the July issue.

December 2010 Ancient Tre(e-News) –the newsletter of The Ancient Tree Forum		The latest issue of the E-newsletter of the Ancient Tree Forum pdf (348KB). This is intended as an occasional publication disseminating information, as a Forum should. It is being sent initially to those who have registered their email address on our website. Please forward to anyone you think might be interested. Very much more information is to be found on our website at: www.ancient-tree-forum.org.uk

December 2010 From Another Kingdom The Amazing World of Fungi New Book		Fungi play a crucial role in supporting life on Earth, and we humans benefit directly through an array of fungal products, including foods and medicines. This book explores our relationship with fungi and our complex cultural attitudes towards them. Chapters include fungal biology, chemistry, cultivation, foraging and cons Written for the non-specialist, and making full use of the extraordinary diversity and beauty of fungi through stunning images, this book provides a fascinating introduction to a group of organisms whose lifestyle means they remain largely out of sight, overlooked and forgotten. The reality is that there is much for which fungi should be thanked.

November 2010 The Conservation Foundation Project Ulmus Londinium will identify remaining elms and provide new trees for the capital		The first complete survey of London’s elm tree population is about to get underway, thanks to a grant of almost Ł50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The Conservation Foundation will look at the role elm trees have played in the capital’s history and provide new trees for future generations. “Many people think all the elms have gone, killed off by Dutch Elm Disease in the 70s, but we know of quite a few mature, healthy trees and there could well be many more” explained David Shreeve director of the Foundation. This is the UN’s International Year of Biodiversity and so it’s an excellent time to be putting the spotlight on the biodiversity of London’s elm population for there are many elms growing here from around the world. Some are in our parks and gardens, but many more have been planted over the years by local authorities and are doing a great job greening the capital’s streets. Some of these could well have a resistance to disease which would enable them to be used in future propagation experiments. The Heritage Lottery Fund will help us launch a major survey throughout London which we hope will involve all of the London Tree Officers and tree wardens along with other enthusiasts, schools and the general public. We will provide help to those who want to know more about identifying elms and stage workshops for experts and enthusiasts to meet and have elm leaves identified.” read more.....

November 2010 BTCV Press Release Kent Set to Celebrate its Woody Heritage		Kent’s trees and woodlands look set for a bright future thanks to a major new project to be undertaken by environmental organisation BTCV. Announced to coincide with National Tree Week (27th November – 5th December), the five year scheme has been awarded a confirmed grant of just over Ł650,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Set to involve hundreds of people of all ages from across the region in an education and activity programme focused on Kent’s rich stock of heritage trees, the project will also survey and record over 10,000 heritage trees across the county. The project aims to celebrate and promote the value of heritage trees, defined by the Forestry Commission as ‘old trees, wide trees, rare trees and trees with historical and cultural significance.’ The funding will provide two project officers to oversee all the project’s activities, a programme of courses for 330 volunteers who would like to become ‘Heritage Tree Surveyors,’ 24 habitat management courses and 64 biodiversity courses, all of which will be open to volunteers and members of the public. Aimed specifically at schools, families and people under 35 but open to all, there will also be 480 ‘Woodland Wonder’ community educational sessions. These sessions will provide an introduction to practical conservation and the natural world with fun activities like welly walks, natural art and music, tree decorating and mini-beast hunts. read full press release pdf (128KB) A4 Poster pdf (2MB)

November 2010 New Book Les trognes, l'arbre paysan aux mille usages by Dominique Mansion		This book is an invitation to discover the cultural and biodiversity interest of these forgotten trees. Now on sale. Available from: www.foretpriveefrancaise.com/les-trognes-l-arbre-paysan-aux-mille-usages-817064.html 32 Euros a copy but worth every penny.

November 2010 Hartley Witney Management Plan Final Draft		Hartley Witney Management Plan – final draft has just been published. The old oak trees are the most significant ecological feature of the commons. They are also an important part of in the cultural history of Hartley Wintney and its unique present day character. You'll see what a lovely and interesting place it is from the pictures. Still time to comment on it – until 1 Jan 2011 . Would be good to get it as an flagship site. As you will see the area is well used by people as it is really an old fashioned common in the heart of the village. The final draft of the management plan can be found on the Hart District Council website see link (pdf)

November 2010 Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association Tree Watch		Check out the latest edition of Tree Watch (Issue 7). In this issue there is an update on their website and a breakdown of the number of trees recorded for each parish. Patricia Green describes one particular surveying session, but I’m sure all surveyors will recognise some aspects of this account. Issue 7 pdf (981KB)

October 2010		The Heath & Hampstead Society has arranged a free lecture by Oliver Rackham in Hampstead on Thursday 7 October. This is a rare opportunity to hear him in London, speaking on 'Hampstead Heath and Woods: deer, woodcutting and the urban heat island'. More details here
August 2010 Dinefwr deer is now open to everyone (From South Wales Guardian)		After years when access was only possible through guided walks, the ancient deer park at Dinefwr is now open to all on a prepared, way-marked route. This area – at the heart of the National Nature Reserve – contains some of the finest examples of truly ancient veteran oak trees. Among them live a herd of Fallow deer, which date back to the enclosure of the deer park in around 1660 along with the historic White Park cattle. Visitors will be able to enter the deer park and be guided on the route by appropriately placed natural stones. "It is a wonderful opportunity to add to your visit at Dinefwr by stepping into this unique ancient deer park,,," said Head Warden Brian Hancock. "We hope our visitors will be thrilled by this wonderful experience." Access will be the same as normal property opening hours, with closure to the deer park in line with the closing of the Board Walk. Gates will be locked out of hours. A National Trust spokesman said that due to its importance for wildlife, dogs cannot be brought into the ancient park.

August 2010 The current status of ancient pollard beech trees at Burnham Beeches and evaluation of recent restoration techniques by Helen J. Read C.P. Wheater V. Forbes and J. Young		Summary: Recent studies on ancient beech pollards at Burnham Beeches have included assessments of their current condition and evaluation of the responses of the trees to restoration pollarding, both in terms of new growth after cutting and the health of the branches. The trees show positive responses to cuts and the death rate of the trees has been slowed. The length of stub left at time of cutting is positively correlated with the number of branches arising from it; a longer stub also increases the chance that a cluster of new shoots will arise. Trees that had been cut in the 1950s have produced more new shoots than those not cut for approximately 200 years. Other impacts on tree growth after recent restoration cutting are discussed. Study the full Paper pdf (178KB)

July 2010 New Book Biodiversity in the New Forest Edited by Adrian C Newton Centre of Education Ecology and Environmental Change School of Conservation Sciences Bournemouth University Poole Dorse Available from: Pisces Publications, 36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge Road, Newbury RG14 5SJ		The New Forest is one of the most important areas for wildlife in the UK, being home to large numbers of flowering plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, bats, birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. These species are associated with extensive areas of semi-natural habitats, which occur in a complex mosaic that is now rarely encountered in western Europe. The unique character of the New Forest is largely attributable to its long history of grazing by large herbivores, reflecting its origins as a medieval hunting forest and the survival of a traditional commoning system. The importance of the New Forest, to both wildlife and people, is reflected in its recent designation as a National Park. This book provides an overview of biodiversity in the New Forest, by summarising what is currently known about its characteristic species and the habitats with which they are associated. Information is presented on current trends in the status and distribution different groups of organisms, focusing on those of particular conservation importance. Information is also provided on the condition of different habitats, with the aim of informing future management decisions and identifying particular issues of concern. This book provides a unique compilation of existing knowledge about the New Forest, provided by a range of specialists with a deep understanding of the area. This information is provided to help ensure that the special character of the New Forest, and its exceptional value for wildlife, is maintained in the future. eflyer/order form pdf (94KB) contents/Chap 5 pdf (1MB)

July 2010 Woodland Trust Campaigns Blog TPOs - Let's not miss an opportunity! Scottish Government's proposed changes to Tree Preservation Orders		In partnership with the Ancient Tree Forum, we recently commented on the Scottish Government’s proposed changes to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) The changes are aimed at improving tree protection and if it helps ancient, veteran, champion and notable trees, then we are keen to support them. A better system could reduce the number of important trees that continue to be lost across Scotland such as those recorded through the Ancient Tree Hunt. Follow the blog

July 2010 The Great Trees of London new book Published 03/06/2010 Publisher Time Out Group Ltd ISBN 9781846701542	"	"The Great Trees of London" brings together over 60 trees around the capital that have achieved 'Great Tree' status - as determined by the popular tree-planting charity Trees for Cities. As you might expect, there are plenty of London planes, horse chestnuts and oaks - the everyday trees that everyone is familiar with - but also some rarer species. The Greenwich Park Shagback Hickory, for instance, probably the largest such tree in the country, and the Marble Hill Black Walnut, with its unusual pitch-black bark. There are magnificent, towering specimens, such as the Forty Hall Cedar of Lebanon and the Berkeley Square Plane, as well as humbler trees that, on first glance, might not deserve the accolade of Great. But they are special for other reasons: the Marylebone Elm is one such: it survived bombing in World War II (which destroyed the adjacent church) as well as Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970s, which wiped out three-quarters of Britain's elms. Some incredibly venerable trees appear too, such as the Charlton House Mulberry, planted at the request of James I at the turn of the 17th century, and the Richmond Royal Oak, estimated to be 750 years old. Packed with glorious colour photography taken in various seasons, this book also contains a glossary of botanical terms; facts, figures and folklore about key species. And where else in the capital you'll find usual or interesting trees.

July 2010 Special Trees and Woods Project Latest Newsletter		The latest newsletter from the Special Trees and Woods Project is now available to download from the News page of the Project’s website – www.chilternsaonb.org/special/news I hope you enjoy reading these newsletters and that you will forward this email on to anyone who shares a love of trees and woods. If for any reason you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, please let me know. Rachel Sanderson Special Trees and Woods Project rsanderson@chilternsaonb.org Tel: 01844 355525

June 2010 How fruit trees in Indian village save girls' lives by Amarnath Tewary Bhagalpur, Bihar BBC News Channel		In India, where traditionally boys have been preferred over girls, a village in backward Bihar state has been setting an example by planting trees to celebrate the birth of a girl child. In Dharhara village, Bhagalpur district, families plant a minimum of 10 trees whenever a girl child is born. And this practice is paying off. Nikah Kumari, 19, is all set to get married in early June. The would-be groom is a state school teacher chosen by her father, Subhas Singh. Mr Singh is a small-scale farmer with a meagre income, but he is not worried about the high expenses needed for the marriage ceremony. For, in keeping with the village tradition, he had planted 10 mango trees the day Nikah was born. The girl - and the trees - were nurtured over the years and today both are grown up. "Today that day has come for which we had planted the trees. We've sold off the fruits of the trees for three years in advance and got the money to pay for my daughter's wedding," Mr Singh told the BBC. more.....

June 2010 United Nations General Assembly declares 2011 as International Year of Forests Department of Public Information News and Media Division New York		To bolster efforts that will promote sustainable management, conservation and development of forests worldwide, the General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the year 2011 as the International Year of Forests. Forests are an integral part of global sustainable development: forest-related economic activities affect livelihoods of 1.6 billion people worldwide; they provide socio-cultural benefits and are the foundation for indigenous knowledge; and as ecosystems, forests play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting biodiversity. The International Year of Forests will raise awareness and promote global action to sustainably manage, conserve and develop all types of forests, including trees outside of forests. “This is an open invitation to the world community”, says Pekka Patosaari, Director of the United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat, “to come together and work with Governments, international organizations and civil society, to ensure that our forests are managed sustainably for current and future generations”. read full declaration

June 2010 It’s a record breaker! Largest cherry tree in the country found in Cumbria		Standing quietly in a field in rural Cumbria stands possibly the largest wild cherry tree in the whole country. Jpeg (102KB) Measuring a massive 5.3m (18ft) around its trunk and located on the edge of the village of Maulds Meaburn, the tree weighs in at the size of mature oak and has been festooned in cascades of brilliant white blossom for the last week. Until 2008 Yorkshire boasted the UK’s largest wild cherry at 5.7 m (18.8ft), but a freak storm snapped the tree’s crown. Neil Cruikshank, who lives in a house overlooking the Cumbrian tree, said: “Unusually for a wild cherry, it produces the most deliciously flavoured cherries. In fact in July the tree bends to the great weight of fruit on the branches and we can usually gather enough to make 8 pounds of cherry jam without even having to use a ladder. It is a beautiful tree in every season with its white blossom in spring and deep red foliage in the autumn.” Edward Parker, Ancient Tree Hunt project manager at the Woodland Trust, said: “This cherry must be one of the most beautiful and magnificent trees in the whole of the UK, yet cherry is not necessarily the first species people think of when looking for an ancient tree. It might not have the hulking grandeur of a thousand year old oak or the great age of one of our fantastic yew trees (which can live to over 4000 years old), but with its beautifully fluted trunk and huge canopy of striking white blossom in spring this tree makes a truly spectacular sight.” The Ancient Tree Hunt is run by the Woodland Trust in partnership with over 70 organisations. Its aim is to record at least 100,000 ancient, veteran and notable trees by the end of 2011, and to date over 63,000 trees have been registered. The database held at www.AncientTreeHunt.org.uk is the first living record of the UK’s old trees ever attempted. Anyone can record an interesting tree by visiting the website and following the simple instructions.

May 2010 Managing risks from trees National Tree Safety Group		The Ancient Tree Forum, who are members of the National Tree Safety Group, welcome this new position statement. The NTSG position is that fundamentally the management of risk should be an evaluation of what is reasonable based on a balance between benefit and risk. Read the full statement pdf (68KB)

April 2010 No 4 ANCIENT TRE(E-News) The newsletter of The Ancient Tree Forum		Read the latest issue of the E-newsletter of the Ancient Tree Forum (an acrobat 2 MB PDF file). This is intended as an occasional publication disseminating information, as a Forum should. It is being sent initially to those who have registered their email address on our website. Please forward to anyone you think might be interested. Very much more information is to be found on our website at www.ancient-tree-forum.org.uk where you can also subscribe and receive this automatically.

March 2010 Jurupa Hills oak may be California's oldest plant 13,000 year-old Quercus palmeri discovered International Oak Society News		Researchers from UC Davis and UC Riverside say the 75-foot-wide Palmer's oak shrub has lived about 13,000 years despite inhospitable surroundings, regenerating itself with new shoots. Nestled between two boulders on a low rise in the Jurupa Hills of Riverside County, a good 30 miles from its nearest living relative, lies the ultimate survivor -- an oak bush that researchers believe is 13,000 years old. Read full article

April 2010 Helping to protect Toronto's heritage trees Ontario Urban Forest Counc		Helping to protect Toronto's heritage trees. This giant red oak is located in the Sheppard Avenue and Weston Road area - photo courtesy Edith george. If trees could talk, many of them would tell us stories of the rich history they have observed in their lifetimes. This is why the Ontario Urban Forest Council (OUFC) works to raise public awareness and convince government to provide legislation to protect trees that are as historically significant as our heritage buildings, said Jack Radecki, executive director of OUFC. Further reading

March 2010 East Midlands Airport to be powered by willow trees BBC News		East Midlands Airport is thought to have become the first in the UK to plant its own willow farm to produce fuel to power the terminal building. The 26-hectare farm will be planted and harvested in phases over the next three years to ensure a continual crop of willow to power a bio-mass boiler. It is part of the airport's plan to become carbon neutral by 2012. Airport official Neil Robinson said: "This is a landmark day for the airport." The farm is expected to produce about 280 tonnes of wood fuel annually, saving 350 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The airport is also piloting the use of buses powered by liquid bio-methane fuel for passengers.

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Old ash tree at Brannbolstad. Photo by Helen Read during her study tour of tree pollarding techniques in Europe
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