Prince Aharles roots for ancient woodlands

THE Prince of Wales has called for the nation’s “dwindling” historical natural habitat to be renewed as he unveiled a collection of ancient woodlands and trees dedicated to the Queen to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

A network of 70 ancient woodlands and 70 ancient trees is being dedicated to the monarch, marking her 70-year reign.

They include the woodland that inspired the 100 Acre Wood in Winnie the Pooh and the apple tree in the orchard at Woolsthorpe Manor, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, where Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity are among those included.

In a video message recorded under the old Sycamore at Dumfries House in Scotland, Charles said: “I believe it is absolutely vital that we do our utmost to nurture our historic inheritance through careful management and, in the case of the woodlands, that we can expand them and link them to other natural features like our hedgerows.

“And if we are to create the ‘ancient’ trees of the future, we must plant more trees in hedgerows, fields, churchyards and avenues.

“Furthermore, I would suggest that some of those planted should be propagated from today’s ancient trees, thus helping to preserve their unique provenance and heritage.

“These working woodlands and magnificent trees span our nation’s amazing landscape and exist for everyone to enjoy. At the same time, they support biodiversity, and help to provide us with the most versatile and beautiful of materials for our craftsmen and women.”

The atmospheric yew framing the North Door of St Edward’s Church, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, which may have inspired JRR Tolkien’s description of the Doors of Durin in

is also in the list.