Heritage Trees of the Scottish Borders

Heritage Trees of the Scottish Borders are those trees considered to be important to the heritage of the Scottish Borders because of their historical and cultural associations and individuality. Borders Forest Trust aims to interpret, promote and protect the heritage trees of the Scottish Borders and to date 61 heritage trees have been identified, 16 of which are detailed on this website.

Borders Big Tree Hunt

Borders Forest Trust needs an army of volunteers to help find 1000 of the best Borders trees to include in the National Ancient Tree Hunt Database. Volunteer tree huggers are needed to measure and record big old trees, the girth of which can be measured by the number of hugs!The project aims to identify and map the most special, notably interesting, ancient and veteran trees. It is fun and easy to do and anyone can get involved.

Knowing where these special trees are is the first step towards identifying their conservation needs to ensure their survival for generations to come. Old trees in our landscape are a key to interesting scientific research about biodiversity and environmental conditions over a long period of time.

As well as big old oak, ash, beech and sycamore trees we are looking for the fattest and most interesting examples of smaller stature species and conifers such as rowan, alder, holly, yew, willow, aspen, birch, pine, fir, spruce and fruit trees. We are also looking for "notable" trees with an unusual shape, character or a bit of local history.

There are 100 hardback copies of 'Heritage Trees of Scotland' books, to be given away as prizes for the finders of the best, fattest and most interesting trees.

With very little knowledge survey records can be submitted about favourite trees directly to www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk

For those who would like more information, there will be training events held at four locations across the Borders. Volunteers who are interested in getting involved are invited to attend an evening talk to find out what is involved and get some background knowledge. This will be followed by a practical survey day, out in the countryside to measure some of the fabulous trees and learn how to record them on to the database. No expertise is required. Booking is essential.

For further information or to attend one of the local training events or talks contact Diane Bennett at Borders Forest Trust on 01835 830750 or diane@bordersforesttrust.org

Click here for a full list of Ancient Tree Hunt information and training events

Click here to view the Ancient Tree Hunt leaflet.

Individual Heritage Trees of the Scottish Borders

Click on the links below for details and locations of the Heritage Trees of the Scottish Borders

Further Information

For further information about Heritage Trees of the Scottish Borders, please telephone Borders Forest Trust on 01835 830750 or alternatively email enquiries@bordersforesttrust.org.