Some of the oldest, greatest trees in the UK are located in Derbyshire, many are associated with local legends and ancient traditions.
A £45,200 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund is financing a project to capture these stories and give the trees better protection
Volunteers will be recruited locally by The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, to carry out a range of tasks.
The Trust is building on a major tree survey, funded by an earlier HLF grant, which identified and mapped more than 4,000 veteran trees, some of which were found to be of not just regional, but of national importance.
The ancient trees, some of which are thought to be over a thousand years old, are important to the landscape and for wildlife, providing a habitat for many rare and endangered species.
Among their number are the Old Man of Calke, an oak tree thought to be more than 1200 years old, and the remains of the Betty Kenny Yew in Shining Cliff Woods near Crich which is believed to be even older. This tree was said to be the inspiration for the lullaby Rock-a-bye-baby in a tree top.
Although some of the identified trees are protected within reserves or sites of special scientific interest, most are outside such areas and have no legal protection. The project “Saving the Great Trees of Derbyshire” will train volunteers to help them monitor the condition of trees locally and spread awareness of their value. They will also be able to spot specimens at risk and take action to save them with specialist support.
Legend and folklore
Where there are local legends these will be documented and an archive created on the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s website. A programme of special events will also be devised to engage further public interest, including guided walks and craftwork for children and families.
Land owners, managers and local communities who have ancient trees locally will also be able to find advice online detailing how they can protect the older trees in the future.
Emma Sayer, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said:
“As well as their importance to the landscape and to nature conservation these magnificent trees have in many cases contributed to local folklore. This project will protect all these aspects and is especially appropriate as it is beginning within the International Year of Biodiversity.”
Commenting for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Jo Brown Conservation Manager said: “We are delighted that the HLF are supporting this project. Our survey showed that many ancient trees are at risk because their value is not recognised, and we hope that by helping people celebrate their local trees we can make sure they are still around for future generations to enjoy.”
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