Going back to root of trees’ history (From Gazette & Herald)

Going back to root of trees’ history

11:00am Thursday 18th December 2008

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ANCIENT trees in Ryedale are being catalogued in an initiative by the district council to ensure their future is secured.

At the same time, John Clayton, the authority’s tree and landscape officer, said new trees need to be planted in spots where they can grow undisturbed for generations to come.

“Ancient trees influence the character of the landscape,” said John. “They are important because of the range of organisms that rely on them for habitats and niches as well as being of important historical and social importance.”

Ryedale, he added, is particularly well blessed with historic trees. But, John said: “They will not live forever. We need to plant new ones in places where they can become the ancient trees of the future.”

He estimates that 1,700 insects rely on ancient trees for their survival. They are also ideal habitats for fungi as well as bats and birds, said John. “They have aesthetic appeal and create inspiration. They may have a particular historic link – associated with a particular person or event.”

Mr Clayton is now urging Ryedale’s scores of town and parish councils to help in the survey by looking at the old trees in their area. As a result such trees will be recorded and new trees could be planted in a ceremony.

The council, he said, has a small budget which could be used for planting of new trees or protecting existing ones.

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