Veteran trees in the Borough of Easteigh
by Helen Brown. Tree Officer for EBC

Woodland now covers approximately 11% of the landscape with only 2% of ancient woodland remaining (i.e. that has existed since 1600), it is however still possible to  discover ancient relics of these former woodlands scattered throughout the Borough along old hedge lines, in open fields and within existing woodlands.

In the past, these trees have been ‘worked’ for timber or pole production, undergoing years of coppicing or pollarding which have contributed to their longevity and produced their current distinctive form.

Coppiced trees were felled on a cyclical basis, just above ground level to encourage the growth of new, straight shoots.  This retained a manageable hedge tree height and produced wood for hurdling and weaving among other uses.

A few hundred years on, these trees have enlarged, swollen bases often with significant pockets of decay and large, straight stems growing from them (giving the impression of an upturned stool).  Generally, the larger the stool, the older the tree - for example, ash trees of 2m in diameter have been estimated at 500 years old. The centre of very old coppice stools often rots out, leaving an outer ring of stems.

Some excellent examples can be found just off Shamblehurst Lane, Hedge-End, where a number of ashes have been coppiced as part of the hedge line and remain a striking feature in the landscape. 

Examples of open grown ancient oak trees, can be seen off Suffolk Drive, on the edge of North End Nature Park in Eastleigh (see inset).  The size and form of these trees indicates they are of veteran status and have been pollarded in the past - an ancient practice where the tree canopy is cut a few metres above the ground, raising it to a height which cannot be reached by animals – this also provided timber and fodder. Through successive years of pollarding, tree girth would reach a size considered to be too big to fell and so these worked trees were neglected.  

Veteran trees are considered to be highly valuable for wildlife and their sensitive management is essential if this is to be maintained.  Sensitive management includes the retention of dead and decaying wood – both fallen and standing as this creates a habitat for bats, insects and fungi.  In fact, one of the most important wildlife habitats is considered to be a standing living tree with rotten heartwood, although many of the species relying on decaying heartwood are highly endangered given that trees in this condition are often perceived as a threat to health and safety. 

Contrary to popular belief, trees with rotten heartwood are often very stable as their outer shell retains a strong and flexible structure.  It is however vital that veteran trees are regularly surveyed - as they are in Eastleigh.   

Veteran trees also often support fungi with wonderful fruiting bodies, which are a vital component of any woodland system.  The fungi decompose dead woody material, making it available for dependant insects - and fuelling nutrient cycles.  In addition, bracket fungi provide a breeding ground for certain dependant insects such as fungus gnats and beetles. 

We are in the process of actively surveying all the trees in the Borough and discovering more veteran trees as the survey progresses.  It is a high priority to protect the veteran trees, so please contact the tree team if you are aware of any in your local area requiring management or protection.

For further information please refer to the Ancient Tree Forum Website at www.ancient-tree-forum.org.uk

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