What is a veteran tree?

Three guiding principles:

  • Trees of interest biologically, aesthetically or culturally because of their age, size and condition
  • Trees in the ancient stage of their lives
  • Trees that are old relative to others of the same species

Why are they important?

The special features of veteran trees make them unique as a wildlife habitat:

  • Support many species that cannot live anywhere else.
  • Many are rare and declining and cannot simply adapt or move to new trees.
  • Includes some of our most charming species such as woodpeckers, owls and bats.
  • Also home to a myriad of small, fascinating species like fungi, beetles, flies, algae and mosses.

How will I know a tree is a veteran?

The first thing is to look at how big the tree is - what is its girth?

Species

Tree girth minimum

Birch, Hawthorn

190 cm

Field Maple, Rowan, Grey & Goat Willow, Holly, Hornbeam, Cherry, Alder 

240 cm

Oak species, Ash, Scots Pine, Yew, Elm species

310 cm

Lime species, Sycamore, Horse Chestnut, Poplar species, other pine species, Beech, Sweet Chestnut, White & Crack Willow 

470 cm

However, absolute size of a tree can be a poor characteristic for determining a veteran tree. Often veteran tree features found on the roots, trunk and branches are often a good indicator of a tree's age.

 

 

Ancient yew tree

A Yew Tree in Lytchett Matravers churchyard estimated to be
1500 years old

 

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