Trees

How

Retain mature hedgerow trees and in-field trees where possible. Protect hedgerow and in-field trees from damage to the roots caused by cultivation, poaching by livestock or drainage. The roots can be protected by creating buffer strips wide enough to take in the area under the tree canopy.

Recruit new hedgerow and in-field trees by planting local native stock or by tagging an uncut young tree in the hedge to protect it from trimming. This will ensure the overall numbers of trees in the landscape is secured in the longer term. In areas where there are currently few trees outside of woodland, consider these measures to increase that resource for the future.

Think about any new provision of trees at the landscape scale to see how, in the future, they will be best positioned to support wildlife by connecting wildlife habitats, providing shelter and structure across the landscape and enhancing the availability of mature and over-mature trees for all the wildlife that require such trees in order to thrive.

Retain standing dead and decaying trees wherever possible as these are important for the lifecycle of a range of insects as well as for nesting birds and roosting bats. If work to dead and decaying trees is necessary, aim to reduce the canopy rather than fell them completely. Retain any cut or fallen timber intact and in situ wherever possible. The voids around root systems and old tree stumps are also important for hibernation areas for some species including amphibians, reptiles and dormice.

Be aware of any Tree Preservation Orders on the farm and ensure you know of the presence of veteran or ancient trees. Veteran and ancient trees are important for wildlife including rare and specialist species. Such trees also have a cultural, historical and landscape importance. They require very sensitive management. If any management is required on veteran or ancient trees, seek specialist advice.

Be aware of any trees containing bat roosts (which are legally protected) and mark them to avoid damaging, disturbing or destroying them with future management. Around three quarters of the 17 British bat species are known to roost in trees. They can use cavities in the trunk or branches, woodpecker holes, loose bark, cracks, splits as roosting places. These may not necessarily be in mature trees, as some immature and very young trees can support these roost features and provide opportunities for bats.

Ivy should be retained on trees wherever possible due to the wildlife it supports. When in bloom during autumn, when little else is flowering, it is a great source of nectar for a host of insects, especially for bees and butterflies. It is in the mid-winter when there are few other berries available that wildlife and birds, in particular the thrush family, will rely on these. Ivy also provides roosting, nesting, hibernating and hiding sites for birds, insects and occasionally bats.