Protecting Ancient Trees

What are the current threats to ancient trees?

Today, many ancient trees stand unprotected, often just from neglect or a lack of awareness of their great importance to our heritage and wildlife.

The three main threats to ancient trees are:

1. Felling - to a culture of safety and tidiness
2. Changes in land use - for development and agriculture, or for other landscape reasons
3. Competition from surrounding trees - both planted and naturally occurring. However sudden release from competing trees – can shock or scorch trees and damage them. Haloing around a tree gradually to open it up is a safe way to help it.

If you are aware of an ancient tree under threat, see 'What we can do' and 'What you can do' to find out how to go about protecting it.