Vetran Trees

The Veteran Trees Project was a conservation initiative aimed at identifying, recording, and preserving ancient and veteran trees across Purbeck in Dorset.  The project ran from 2021 to 2025 and its goal was to increase awareness of the ecological, historical, and cultural value of these trees.

​

Veteran trees are vital habitats for wildlife, including fungi, insects, birds, and bats. Many also hold historical significance, often marking old boundaries or featuring in local folklore. With the help of a dedicated group of volunteers hundreds of veteran trees were surveyed and recorded, helping landowners and conservationists to manage them more effectively.

The project played encouraged communities to take an active interest in local biodiversity and landscape heritage. Another aim of the project was to propagate trees from these veteran trees to maintain their provenance in the local landscape.

​

Trees for Dorset are continuing to support this work by gathering seed from veteran trees identified during the project and growing these on to conserve ancient genes for future generations.