For a commercial client

Our consultants had the privilege of surveying 150 notable and veteran trees across a historic park in Hertfordshire.

The survey focused on 150 veteran and notable species identified as part of a previous survey that Maydencroft did not carry out. Many other veteran trees not included in the original survey were seen across the site and will be included in the following survey.

The survey aimed to form sensitive management recommendations that would improve the conditions for the tree and its habitats and enable their long-term retention in the landscape.

Another contractor carried out a saprolyxic invertebrate survey at the site in 2022, confirming the presence of 112 species of beetle associated with saprolyxic habitats, of which 44 species have conservation status. The 112 species associated with deadwood habitats were classed as vulnerable, nationally rare, nationally scarce, and nationally notable saprolyxic invertebrate species. The numerous veteran trees identified across the site are responsible for hosting these essential species within their various irreplaceable habitat features.

Veteran trees provide cultural and aesthetic benefits to the landscape and feature a range of habitats, such as cavities containing decaying wood, which saprophytic species depend on for at least some stage of their life. Saprolyxic invertebrates are rare and threatened organisms that provide an essential food source for birds and mammals. They also contribute to the decomposition of deadwood by recycling nutrients within the deadwood, which then becomes available again to the tree or soil for future uptake, an activity which is essential for the natural regeneration of our woodlands.

The survey found a gap in the age profile of trees on site, which concerns the future of these irreplaceable habitats veteran trees contain.

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