Ancient and Veteran Trees

Join a Kent Wildlife Trust study day to learn about ancient and veteran trees and how to recognise and record them. Ancient and veteran trees are a wonderful feature of our landscape and are vital for biodiversity. This practical course, led by Neil Coombs, Kent Wildlife Trust Land Management Advisor, will cover the key characteristics that make these trees so important for wildlife and for our cultural heritage.

The morning session will take place in the classroom at Tyland Barn where we will discuss how such a rich heritage of ancient and veteran trees developed, the features that help you recognise them and the various recording methods and techniques. After lunch the group will travel to Mote Park to inspect individual trees, practise recording and assessing important features, and consider management approaches to conserve these trees for the future.

By the end of the day you should be able to decide whether a tree is ancient, record its principal features, describe the main characteristics of veteran trees and explain their importance for biodiversity. You will also gain an understanding of the historical and cultural factors behind this heritage and the principles of conserving these trees. Recording ancient and veteran trees is both useful and enjoyable and the day combines classroom discussion with hands on field practice. For further information, please visit the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website.