Trust to turn over new leaf with survey of tree avenues

The trust estimates it has around 500 avenues, which were originally planted to provide a natural picture frame to views and now also provide habitat for wildlife such as bats, which use the rows of trees to navigate, feed around and roost in.

The avenues contain numerous ancient tree specimens and many tell the stories of their creation, such as the Spanish chestnuts at Croft Castle, Herefordshire, which were planted using seeds from the Armada wrecks in 1592.

But the National Trust has no central database of information on the landscape feature, and following the launch two years ago of a survey of all the ancient trees in its care, it will now be carrying out an audit of its avenues.

Many face the threat of diseases, such as acute oak decline, which can spread easily between trees and the survey will help prioritise funding for their future protection.

Property staff and volunteers will be trained to record information including the number and age of trees, species, spacing and their health and wildlife that relies on them. It is also hoped new stories about their history will come to light.

National Trust ancient tree adviser Brian Muelaner said: “Tree avenues are the perfect example of man and nature working in harmony.

“This new survey will give us the opportunity to understand more about these spectacular natural monuments which are rooted in the history of the places they appear.

“A tree avenue is a natural picture frame and there is nothing quite like walking along one as a magnificent building or spectacular landscape comes into view and the image is captured in your mind’s eye.”

He added: “They have magnificent old trees within them with phenomenal biodiversity interest.”