Living legends: Volunteers sought to record Scotland's ancient trees for UK's largest database

Nature enthusiasts are being urged to help protect Scotland’s ‘living legends’ – by recording ancient, veteran and notable trees.

The Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory is the UK’s largest tree database, featuring more than 200,000 entries.

Any member of the public can record trees in the inventory, which are then checked by volunteer verifiers, who will usually visit sites in person to measure the trees.

To help continue to record Scotland’s tree population, new verifiers are being urged to come forward.

The role involves recording finds in their local area as well as travelling to other areas to verify recordings, with expenses covered.

Webinars, regional events and training are offered by the Woodland Trust for successful applicants.

George Anderson of Woodand Trust Scotland said: “Ancient trees are as much a part of our heritage as stately homes, cathedrals and works of art, but they don’t get the same protection.

“Identifying where ancient trees are takes us one step closer to giving them the care and protection they need.

“Records made by the public help us to identify ancient tree hot spots, monitor current threats and future losses, plan how best to conserve them in the future and much more.

“Our Ancient Tree Verifiers contribute towards our goal of protecting these Living Legends across the UK. We will give training and pay travel expenses.

“It is a great excuse for exploring the countryside and getting out and about in your district while making a great contribution to practical nature conservation.”

You can find out more information and apply for the role on the Woodland Trust website.