If you pass a tree and wonder whether it’s an ancient specimen, here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for:

A small canopy

– over time, the canopy of a tree reduces through retrenchment. This is a natural process where most of the growth takes place underground, ensuring the crown of the tree and its root system are rebalanced.

A wide trunk

– compare the trunk to other trees of the same species. The girth might be 1.5 metres for trees such as hawthorn, or up to 5 metres for a tree like a sweet chestnut.

Hollowing

– most ancient trees have a hollow trunk, although that’s not always the case. Unless there’s a cavity to look into, this is one sign that may be hard to spot.