Veteran Tree Hunt records the 2000th tree

Since its launch in May 2006, the data being gathered by the Epping Forest Veteran Tree Hunt across the district has continued to grow.

A fantastic picture is now emerging of the district’s rich tree heritage and the number of veteran trees recorded on Countrycare's specially designed website favouritetrees.com has topped the 2000^th tree. A further 787 trees of note have also been recorded giving a total for all trees recorded near to 3,000.

Trees have now been recorded in all but two parishes across the district with the vast majority, 1462 being old pollards, reflecting the great historical influence of Epping Forest and a culture of “working” trees.

Still in the “lead” with 310 recorded veteran trees is Lambourne parish, but with survey work only really starting to get going in some areas this could all change.

For example, in Ongar parish the local tree warden group have just begun in their quest to map and record all the trees in their parish.

More tree hunt walks are planned so refer to the Countrycare News and Events link for further details.

The challenge has been set to record 3000 veteran trees by March 2010.