Welcome to the Herefordshire Tree Forum

A Tree Talk Substack post from the Tree Council

Our two native oak trees in the UK, Quercus robur (pendunculate oak) and Quercus patraea (sessile oak) are an important part of the UK’s biodiversity, heritage, and economy, providing key services for the environment and society. They provide habitat for more than 2,300 other species including birds, fungi, insects, lichens, and mammals. 326 of these species are obligate, depending on pedunculate and sessile oaks for their survival. A further 229 are highly associated. But we have an Oak Generation Gap with middle aged oaks, 200-300yrs old, being scarce This generation gap disrupts the continuity of oak ecosystems and threatens the long-term survival of species that use oaks. Read on HERE

Oak trees (Quercus spp.) are among the most iconic and ecologically significant tree species in the UK. They are a vital part of the UK’s biodiversity, cultural heritage and economy, supporting more than 2,300 species and contributing environmental, social and economic benefits estimated at £0.7 billion each year and yet relatively little is known about them, the threats they are facing, and how they are faring in the face of multiple stressors. The new report sets out the current state of UK oaks by bringing together key information, monitoring data and a review of existing work, while identifying important evidence gaps. It reveals the UK’s most iconic tree is facing a convergence of threats unseen in modern times, with scientists warning that without urgent action the UK risks losing oak as a defining feature of its landscape. This report deserves to be read by anyone with an interest in and concern for our native treescape

Juniper is one of only three UK native conifer species Juniper (Juniperus communis) is an evergreen, dioecious conifer (meaning it houses male and female flowers on different plants), and is one of only three native conifer species in the UK. It has a long and rich history within folklore and mythology, but it’s probably best known for its dark purple berries used in gin and cooking. In 2010, scientists at Forest Research, detected that juniper was under threat from an invasive pathogen called Phytophthora austrocedri which was causing widespread mortality in English and Scottish juniper populations.

Over the next few years, millions of new trees will be planted across the country. Suitable protection for young trees is a conversation that is developing, as guards constructed from new materials are brought to market. Those planting have a responsibility to select tree protection which will not leave a lasting negative impact on the landscape. However, the matter is complex and a simple, widely-accepted solution does not yet exist. In this two-part Substack article, The Tree Council team discuss some of the issues to consider when selecting which guards to use .