Learn about the ancient and notable trees in and around the Forest of Dean 

Towering oaks, pretty flowering willow trees, thousand-year-old limes. The Forest of Dean is home to some very special trees. Conservation charity Plantlife recently spearheaded a project to help protect them.

The Ancient and Notable Tree Survey aims to shine spotlights on the cultural and ecological importance of the woodland’s many species. As part of the initiative, volunteers recorded the specific locations of the area’s most prominent trees. The result is Ancient and Notable Trees, a leaflet mapping out 36 ancient, veteran, and notable trees within St. Briavels hundred.

Defining ancient, notable, and veteran trees

Only the most mature trees in the forest are considered ancient. That’s over 300 years for yew and oak, 200 years for beech and ash, and 85-100 years for hawthorn or cherry.

Veteran trees are slightly harder to define. They could be ancient or younger with signs of ageing. Dead or dying limbs, a hollow stem, or flaky bark are all signs of a veteran tree.

Lastly, notable trees incorporate any species that has become a landmark in the countryside. Think the tallest tree in the area, a curiously-shaped specimen, or a tree that marks a well-known picnic spot.

Dean Forest is full of fascinating trees. Here are a few of our favourites.

Machen Oak

OS ref: 59627/13533

Named after Edward Machen, the Deputy Surveyor for the Dean, this majestic oak is one of the oldest in the forest. Estimated to be over 350 years old, its trunk is now hollow.

Hangerberry Beech Coppice

OS ref: 59652/14572

Contorted, lichen-covered trunks are the intriguing feature of this coppice of beech trees.

Grange Oak

OS ref: 67761/12084

On the border of St. Briavels, this special tree has the largest girth of any oak measured in the area. That’s an 8.2-metre diameter! Note there’s no public access to this particular specimen as it’s located on private land.

Cockshoot Ash

OS ref: 63316/ 18135

The strange shape of this forest veteran shows how ash trees can twist and bend in search of light.

Sling Willow Pollard

OS ref: 5800O/08079

This willow tree has lived to a ripe old age thanks to consistent forest management. Look out for the beautiful yellow flowers in spring, an important source of nectar for the resident insects.

With such natural treasures within, local authorities take maintaining the forest seriously. In a recent article by @DeanWyeNews, Dave Sykes, Forestry England’s Beat Forester in Forest of Dean, explained: “Our sustainable forest management of the Forest of Dean includes regular surveying for pests and diseases affecting the trees.”

Forestry England has recently been battling Chalara ash dieback, a disease affecting the area’s ash trees. In a bid to stop the spread, local authorities have been busy marking and cutting down affected trees.

We can all do our bit to preserve the local flora and fauna. When you’re visiting, avoid the temptation to disturb the local animals or pick flowers, leaves, or branches. Admire the trees from a distance and the ancient forest will be around for a lot longer.

If you’re planning a trip to the Forest of Dean, we’d love to host you here at The Wyndham Hotel & Restaurant in Clearwell. Take a look at our comfortable suites and book your stay today.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us via the contact details below:

The Wyndham Team

T: 01594833666
E: info@the-wyndham.co.uk