Ancient Tree Inventory Workshop, Catton Park

Location

• Tue 2 Jul 2024, 10:00am-3:00pm

1 position available

Your task will be to record ancient and veteran trees for our ancient tree inventory. 

The Ancient tree inventory (ATI) is an online interactive database that maps Ancient, Veteran, and notable trees. This growing archive allows us to analyse and monitor a variety of characteristics including; species, girth, indicators of wildlife and access to the tree. These characteristics are incredibly valuable when creating management plans to aid in protection. 

We will provide a demonstration on how to identify and record ancient and veteran trees. You will then have a go for yourselves, and play your part in the journey to having our most important trees protected.

This opportunity suits everyone, regardless of fitness level—it's truly a stroll in the park! No prior knowledge of tree species is required; it's ideal for those new to trees. We'll guide you through each step of recording trees and help you identify the distinguishing features of veteran and ancient trees. The only thing we need from you is your enthusiasm and willingness to learn about these amazing trees!🌳

Recording ancient and veteran trees is crucial for several reasons:

🌳Conservation: Ancient and veteran trees are irreplaceable ecological treasures. They provide habitat and food for numerous species, contribute to biodiversity, and play a key role in the health of ecosystems. Recording them helps conservationists prioritize their protection and management.

🌳 Historical and Cultural Significance: Many ancient trees have cultural or historical significance, often being landmarks or symbols of local heritage. By recording them, we preserve this cultural heritage for future generations and ensure that these living connections to the past are not lost

🌳 Climate Change Resilience: Ancient trees have weathered countless environmental changes over their long lifespans, making them valuable resources for understanding climate resilience. Recording them provides data for scientists studying the impacts of climate change and helps inform strategies for mitigating its effects

🌳 Management and Planning: Understanding the distribution and characteristics of ancient and veteran trees is essential for effective land management and planning. Recording them helps identify areas of high ecological value that may require special protection or management strategies.

Overall, recording ancient and veteran trees is vital.  Currently, there are approximately 190 thousand recordings on the Ancient tree inventory (ATI). Research shows that only 10% of ancient and veteran trees are documented, and considerable effort is needed to record the remaining 90%. Without the help of volunteers it would be near enough impossible to achieve this!

🌳 Please make sure that you have downloaded a Grid Reference App, that supports 10 figure grid references, before the event. 

🌳 Old clothes - which you are happy to get dirty and perhaps scratched 

🌳  Long trousers - to avoid any irritation caused by vegetation, and reduce the threat from ticks and other biting insects 

🌳  Long-sleeved shirts are recommended to help avoid insect bites and associated diseases 

🌳  Hand Sanitiser – to be used when required  

🌳  Waterproofs - are a good idea if there is any chance of rain 

🌳  layers of clothing - to ensure you’ll be warm enough to be outside for a few hours 

🌳  Sturdy footwear or wellies that you don’t mind getting mucky – not your best trainers 

🌳 Waterproofs and a woolly hat are a good idea if it’s a cold day 

By Car
Catton Park lies 2 miles north of central Norwich and just 3 miles from Norwich Train Station.

We will be meeting at the car park at the Recreation Ground off Church Street. I would recommend using the google map pin: Car Park

By Public Transport
Bus stops located closest to the meeting point are, Burma Road, Church Street and Maids Head.

By Foot
Catton Park is linked to the city centre and the surrounding area via a network of footpaths.

Please see below images for the car park location: 

Please be aware that due to the nature and location of some of our sites we cannot guarantee that there will be facilities available. 

We will be parking at the Recreation Ground off Church Street and there should be public toilets on the Recreation Ground.

Please bring a packed lunch, drinks, and snacks to keep you going throughout the day.

This task is literally a walk in a park, admiring and surveying some amazing trees. It requires little to no physical labour.

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