Dr Graham Hill spoke on Ancient Trees of Worcestershire – there are currently 3129 greater than 100 years of age on his Arc GIS database, however, in some areas there are no records due to there being no recorders living nearby, for example, Evesham.

The oldest tree in Worcestershire is in Abberley – a pedunculate oak whose girth is 12m making it greater than 1000 years old.

In the Hartlebury parish the royal Mitre Oak has a girth of 8.8 M making it 280 years old and following restoration work between 1991 and 2004 the remainder of the tree has been stabilised and is still growing.

The species of tree that can reach 100 years of age are yew, sweet chestnut, oak, lime, sycamore, ash, beech, alder and field maple.

On February 14 there is a field recording morning of potentially older trees, meet at 9.30am at Lower Poolands car park on Hartlebury Common, training will be given by Dr Hill so no experience is necessary.

On February 9 John Rhymer, founder and former head of Bishop’s Wood Centre will speak on “Nature through Nurture” at Stourport Sport’s Club, Kingsway (DY13 8BQ opposite Stourport High School) at 8pm prompt, cost £3.

Go to www.hartleburycommon.org.uk or phone Dr Joy M Rooney on 01299 877275 for further information.

All are welcome.