THE Tamar Valley?s oldest trees will be included in a national survey ? and everyone can play a part!
Local woodland charity The Silvanus Trust and the Tamar Valley AONB service this week started locating and assessing the condition of ancient and significant old trees in the valley.
Their survey is part of the nationwide ?Great British Tree Hunt?, inspired by the Woodland Trust, the Ancient Tree Forum and the Tree Register.
But they need the input of people living in the area to get a complete picture.
Stephen Russell, of the Tamar Valley AONB service, said one of the aims was to raise awareness of the management needs of the trees and their importance for wildlife.
?The potential discovery and identification of the oldest trees in the Tamar Valley is both exciting and rewarding,? he said.
?Some specimens are already well-known, like the Coplestone Oak in Tamerton Foliot which dates from the 1600s.
?We don?t expect to find many more trees of that age, but there are likely to be plenty of younger, and quite sizeable trees out there.
?Not that size is the only indicator of age ? we also hope to hear of old, neglected fruit trees, and coppice and hedgerow trees.?
Anyone who knows of an old tree they feel should be included in the survey can nominate their choice by obtaining a form from the Silvanus Trust.
Jan Phillips, of the Silvanus Trust, said a free training course teaching people how to survey trees was being organised for the end of November.
?Old trees, because of their age, size and condition, are of exceptional cultural value in the landscape, and for masses of wildlife,? she added.
Trees can be nominated by contacting the Silvanus Trust for a form on 01579 372100 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]