The conservation of ancient trees in old growth woodland and other habitats

Members Resolution:

This Annual General Meeting believes the National Trust should give greater recognition to the importance of the veteran trees on its properties and consider them of at least equal value to historic buildings in financial and management decisions. 

We call on the National Trust, as a matter of urgency, to extend its policies and commit to: 

§         No further avoidable loss of ancient trees on its properties from building and recreational development pressure, damaging agricultural and forestry practices and mismanagement

§         Fostering greater awareness of the importance of these trees to staff, advisors, tenants, contractors, members and visitors

§         Creating a continuity of veteran trees through this millennium by recruitment and suitable management of existing mature and over mature trees or by new planting.  

Moreover the National Trust should continue to raise the profile of ancient trees in old growth woodland and other habitats across the UK and in Europe 

A statement by the proposers of the resolution 

Every ancient tree should be a greatly valued part of our heritage. Sites with a long continuity of old trees, and veteran trees themselves are internationally important for wildlife.  Ancient trees are a classic feature of our parklands, often predating the designed landscapes, gardens and houses.  There is now a greater appreciation of the unique value of the UK population of old trees; there are so many more of them by comparison with northern Europe.

The National Trust has been a key partner in English Nature’s Veteran Tree Initiative and is responsible for the stewardship of many of the sites in the UK with the largest concentrations of ancient trees. There are many National Trust sites where old trees are managed with great regard to their importance because they are highly valued for their populations of associated fungi, lichens, bryophytes and decaying wood insects. Some trees provide the last refuge for rare and endangered species across Europe. The National Trust has an enviable record for stewardship of our heritage of buildings, many of which are considerably younger and more readily replaceable. We ask that ancient trees be afforded similar appreciation, care and resources. 

Every old tree is an individual with its own character and story to tell of centuries past. Each and every ancient tree is precious and irreplaceable. National Trust properties have trees that may well have started life over 1000 years ago in the first millennium. They have survived because they were valued, albeit for different reasons and they had the capability to endure through the last millennium. In a world of rapid change and increasing threats, to endure through this next millennium, they need active protection and conservation. We urge members to give their support and commitment to protecting these marvels of living history, and to ensure future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate and be inspired by old trees.