What exactly are veteran trees: how are they different to ancient trees; what processes are at work in their formation; why are they so important to wildlife and how do we best look after them? Join Victoria Stanfield, Trees and Woodlands Advisor for the National Trust in the Southwest, to answer these questions in her introduction to these magnificent survivors.

Tor has been working with trees for over twenty years with a particular interest in ancient and veteran trees. Her love of veteran trees started when she worked as a ranger at Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve on the edge of Bristol. The site has over 500 veteran trees and Tor became responsible for their management, “which was a great privilege and felt like a big responsibility”. In 2015 she surveyed all 500 (plus an extra 200 on nearby sites) and wrote their 10 year management plan. Tor is also a facilitator delivering training on veteran trees. There will be an opportunity for Q&A after her presentation.

To find out more about the veteran tree walk at Leigh Woods visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bath-bristol/leigh-woods/leigh-woods-veteran-tree-walk

This online event is free and we are very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support.