At the top of Crickley Hill is an area of woodland known as The Scrubbs. A site of Special Scientific Interest, the woodland is a mix of beech, oak and ash trees, some of which have a history dating back 200 years. The rangers at Crickley Hill have set out a 10-year woodland management plan that will improve conditions for wildlife and allow trees and habitats to flourish.
Ancient and veteran trees
Specialist tree surveyors have been helping the National Trust record the status and quality of the trees in The Scrubbs. Together they have highlighted 35 trees that are ‘ancient’, ‘veteran’ or ‘notable’ and need special attention to ensure their long-term health. Combined with surveys undertaken in previous years, there are now a total of 74 trees classed as ancient, veteran or notable across the area. Ancient trees are not a specific age, but they are particularly old compared to other trees of the same species and might be gnarled, knobbly or hollow with particularly thick trunks.The grazing that the native, pure-bred Belted Galloway cows provide is essential to the conservation of the Gloucestershire grasslands such as those at Crickley Hill. They produce the best possible conditions to help wildlife to flourish. Find out more about how they help look after this special place.
