We were sad to learn about the collapse of one of the oldest trees in England, in Leicestershire, following some bad weather. There was also some recent news about the impending death of one of the oldest Yews in Wales, but, like the periodical stories recounting the demise of various rock gods, it turns out that the announcement might have been a bit premature! Yews can even have the experts fooled, and will go on for hundreds of years even when they are looking particularly ropey and frail.
So what is the difference between an ancient and a veteran tree?
The Ancient Tree Forum (http://www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk/ancient-trees/what-are-ancient-veteran-trees/) says:
“Think of an ancient tree and words that might come to mind are gnarled, knobbly, huge, bent and hollow. These sorts of characteristics are just as important as the actual age of the tree, but the term ancient is applied specifically to trees that are ancient in years. Ancient trees are those which have reached a great age in comparison with others of the same species.
The exact age at which you’d call a tree ancient depends on the species of tree and other factors including the type of site where it’s growing. A birch tree could be considered as ancient at 150 years old, for example, but an oak tree would not be thought of as ancient until it’s at least 400 years old. Yew trees can live for thousands of years, so are not defined as ancient until they are 800 years old.”
Unlike an ancient tree, a veteran tree can be any age, but it is a tree which shows ancient characteristics such as those above. These may not just be due to age, but could result from natural damage, management, or the tree’s environment. Ancient trees are all veterans, but not all veterans are ancient.
Here’s one of our recently-viewed favourite veterans, and where you can see it:
Gnarly old Sweet Chestnut at Ightem Mote National Trust in Kent
Have you got an old tree and want some advice about how to look after it?
Contact Andrew on 01256 817369 or 07771 883061 or email him at Andrew@primarytreesurgeons.co.uk