Veteran Trees
Lead Partner
New Forest National Park Authority
What is it about?
The New Forest is thought to have the highest concentration of ancient and veteran trees in the British Isles, and possibly in north western Europe. They are a characteristic landscape feature with high cultural and conservation value and contribute in an important way to the Forest’s landscape character and its habitats.Many species of nature conservation importance depend on veteran features for their survival – including woodland birds, bats, fungi, lichens and invertebrates.
The National Park Authority’s tree team aims to provide the most up to date training in the care and management of ancient trees to prevent the loss of this scarce and valuable resource. They will develop the skills of the local tree work contractor force through training, better equipping them to make appropriate recommendations and undertake works sensitive to the vulnerability of older trees.
Training is targeted primarily at local tree surgery contractors who are usually the first to be approached by the tree owners. Local Authority Tree Officers operating within and adjacent to the National Park and who deal with applications for works to protected trees will also be offered training.
What’s been achieved?
- 36 people (including tree surgeons and tree officers) attended the first course in June 2017 by the Arboricultural Association
- 35 people (including tree surgeons and tree officers) attended a course on Pest and Disease in Trees in Autumn 2018.
Volunteering and training
Visit the training and volunteering pages for information on specific roles within the Our Past, Our Future landscape partnership scheme.
Contact details
Nik Gruber – Senior Tree Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646668 email: nik.gruber@newforestnpa.gov.uk
