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Herefordshire
Tree Forum

New research published in Ecology Letters shows that mixed woodlands with multiple tree species can better protect against extreme temperatures, providing up to 4°C more cooling in summer and better insulation in winter.
Species-rich forest plots with 24 different tree species provided over 4°C more cooling compared to single-species plots. This improved temperature buffering is most likely linked to mixed woodland having a greater canopy density (more leaves per sq metre) and higher structural diversity (a mix of small and large trees). These factors reduce the mixing of air and help to insulate the forest environment from temperature extremes and is a good reason to move away from single-species plantations.
Click HERE to view the original news item by Kate Ravilious in The Guardian

Ash is the third most common broadleaved tree in Britain and there are an estimated 60 million ash trees outside woodlands in the UK. Now widespread across England, Wales and Scotland, ash dieback causes leaf loss and canopy decline and in many cases leads to the death of the tree. To assist land managers to meet new challenges of dealing with ash dieback the second edition of the Action Plan Toolkit for Local Authorities has been launched by The Tree Council

The document can be downloaded HERE

The Arboricultural Association has launched a 'free the tree' campaign There could be tens of thousands of trees across the UK being strangled by redundant tree ties left on too long. Wherever trees have been planted, in private gardens and along the side of roads, in car parks and housing estates, in schools and open green space, this issue can be found all too frequently. Through a lack of good aftercare or a lack of understanding, these trees will struggle to establish in the landscape, with many dying as a result.

For more information CLICK HERE - To download a poster, CLICK HERE

A new long-term study reveals alarming insights into the impact of climate change on the European beech (Fagus sylvatica), one of Europe’s most widespread and ecologically important tree species. Conducted by an international team led from the University of Liverpool, the study uses four decades of monitoring data to identify a sharp 28% decline in tree growth since 2005, attributed to temperature-driven changes that favour seed production over growth; counterintuitively, this leads to a reduction in how many viable seeds are produced, dispersed and germinate, painting a concerning picture for the future of beech in our forests. More information HERE

Newly planted trees need simple care in their tender early years to thrive. Carrying out a little tree care is a great way to stay connected to the tree or trees you have planted, and could help them prosper for years and even decades to come. t’s easy to help young trees survive those critical first five years. Find their useful tree care tips HERE

The Old Oak of Ross is probably one of the oldest oaks in the county, which makes it one of the oldest trees in Europe. It has surved for perhaps 900 years but over the past ten years or so its condition has declined with one section of the tree showing increasing dieback, as can be seen in the images on the right, from 2012 (top) and 2024 (below).

It may be significant that its decline corresponds with the worsening condition of the River Wye, the waters of which have, for centuries, flooded the meadow in which the tree grows but which recently have been polluted by excessive agricultural runoff and sewage discharges.

MOves are afoot to obtain funding to carry out a programme of research to establish the cause of the decline and to institute work with the aim of reversing it.
An article publishd in Arb News is available HERE: illustrated by numerous photographs, it describes the tree through history and discusses its decline and the possible causes.