The aims of the Veteran Tree Survey are: To locate and record the existence of as many of Hertfordshire’s veteran trees as possible, to set up a database of all trees, with as much detail as possible for each tree or group of trees, including associated wildlife or historic associations, and to use the information to promote their future management and conservation.
Use of the survey form: The Veteran Tree Survey form has been adapted from the national Veteran Tree Survey form developed by English Nature, and essentially follows its format. It is designed for non-specialists to be able to participate, with self-explanatory drawings to assist the recorder. As much as possible of the survey form should be filled in for each tree surveyed. However, a minimum record must include a detailed site location (preferably a 6-figure Ordnance Survey grid-reference), the species involved, and some idea of its size, form and condition.
Measuring girth: In order to get the most out of the survey, it is recommended that a recorder should take an accurate measurement of the girth of the tree. This needs to be done following standard practice. The standard procedure is to measure the girth at 1.3 metres (4 feet) above the ground. On slopes, this should be measured from the uphill side. If a tree bulges at this point, then the narrowest measurement below this level should be recorded, as well as the point above the ground at which it is taken. Forked trees should be measured in a similar way below the fork.
What trees to record: Not every tree is a veteran! Also, not every veteran tree will necessarily be massive. The national survey definition is: "trees which by virtue of their great age, size or condition, are of exceptional value culturally, in the landscape or for wildlife". This can be supplemented with some specific guidance, according to species or type of tree:
For oaks, beeches and ashes, veteran trees will often be old pollards, or at least should normally be at least 1.3 metres in diameter (roughly) at breast height. Smaller old gnarled trees in exposed conditions might qualify when smaller than this.
Other species can be less massive, such as old hornbeam pollards, field maples or holly. Short-lived trees such as birch or rowan are not normally expected to be recorded, unless an exceptional specimen is encountered. However, relatively short-lived, but often important pollarded willows or poplars should be included. Old hawthorns are sometimes difficult to judge, but can be important historically and for wildlife. Any specially large, gnarled old thorn should be recorded.
The survey is aimed at recording all important old trees, but there might come a problem of defining a single tree in the case of old coppice stools. Many of Hertfordshire’s woodlands contain numerous old coppice stools, but it is often difficult to measure such specimens because they have no single trunk. There is also the danger that we will record too many less special coppice stools simply because they look gnarled. Beware also of very large old coppice stools which may appear like a ring of younger stems! These are especially valuable, as they can be the oldest trees of all.
The aim is essentially to record native trees in 'wild' situations, but the Hertfordshire countryside includes important planted trees, sometimes not of native species, and it is intended to include these. Ancient sweet and horse chestnuts, very large old sycamores and limes etc. can therefore be recorded.
There remains the problem of recording specimen ornamental conifers etc. These are sometimes of historical or landscape importance, and such trees can be recorded. However, it is not intended to create an exhaustive inventory of ornamental trees in landscaped grounds. If in doubt, record it anyway!
Groups of trees: Some ancient pollards in particular occur in groups, sometimes of many trees together. In these cases, it may not be feasible to measure or record in detail every tree. A count of the trees, some notes on their condition, with numbers, species, and measurements of selected trees (e.g. the largest) would be sufficient as a basis for the record, at least to start with.
Photographs: Although the survey form does not include a space to attach a photograph, it is strongly recommended that a print photograph of the tree should be attached to the record form if at all possible. This will form a valuable record in its own right, to show changes.
Map of location: The record form includes space to record where the site is, but attachment of a sketch location map would be a useful check. This can be added to the back of the form, along with extra notes under any heading.
Permission to record: It is important to remember that trees will be growing on someone’s land. If there is no public access, then the permission of the landowner to survey should be sought. This project is undertaken in partnership with the Herts Natural History Society and the University of Hertfordshire.
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