South Wales was the hottest place in the UK as Tree Wardens gathered at the National Botanic Garden near Carmarthen for the Wales Regional Tree Warden Forum, co-hosted by Pembrokeshire and Brecon Beacons National Park Tree Warden Networks.
The day began with an introduction to surveying ancient and veteran trees by Mike Higgins, Pembrokeshire’s Tree Warden Network Co-ordinator, before Tree Wardens got to test their new knowledge by surveying some of the magnificent trees in the botanic garden grounds. Tree Wardens used both visual clues on the trees themselves, as well as landscape level context and historical records in the form of paintings, to conclude whether the trees were ancient, veteran, champion, heritage or a combination.
To read Mike Higgins’ account of the day, click the link below.
Lunch was followed by talks from Sam Village, National Tree Warden Scheme Coordinator, on the work that The Tree Council is undertaking nationally, and an introduction to The Tree Council’s Tree Health Citizen Science project from Tree Warden Scheme Volunteer Engagement Officer, Charlie Knowles.
There was lots of enthusiasm from all attendees for getting out and recording more ancient and veteran trees in their local areas, and for monitoring tree pests and diseases which might impact their local treescapes.
Thank you to everyone who came along; we look forward to seeing you again at future events!
To find your nearest Tree Warden Network and learn how you can get involved, visit www.treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens/
