Some of our ancient trees in Rushwick are already documented! Of particular note are the oak trees along the Rushwick/Bransford Parish Boundary at the western end of the village. The trees form a line along the bank that runs from the river Teme (between the road and the railway bridges) to the A4103 at the Otherton Lane turning.

Harry Green and John Tilt of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust started the scheme. It is run by volunteers associated with Worcestershire Biological Records Centre, which is based at the WWT headquarters at Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip.

Ancient trees are of great landscape and cultural significance, and are part of our ancient countryside. These trees are the oldest inhabitants of our countryside, apart from some fungi. They are important landmarks and of great natural beauty. They also provide important habitats for a variety of invertebrates, fungi, lichens and mosses.
Some of the best-known collections of ancient trees are at Windsor Park, but there are some in the New Forest, and also at Moccas Park in West Herefordshire. In more recent times there has been an increasing awareness that large numbers of ancient trees occur in other parts of the country, and that the British Isles probably contains more ancient trees than elsewhere in Europe. As interest in ancient trees has increased, so has awareness of the vulnerability of these trees, and also of the invertebrate communities using them.
Ancient trees are usually recognisable by their size and there may be signs of lightning strike, pollarding or dead wood in both branches and trunk. However not all stag- headed oak trees are ancient, younger trees may be affected by environmental changes such as drainage or intensive agriculture.
Good examples of ancient trees can be seen at the Worcs. Wildlife Trust Pipers Hill Common Reserve near Hanbury.
Oak is the commonest ancient tree in South Worcestershire, ash is next, and beech is scarce. Ancient field maples occur in small numbers, also limes and sweet chestnuts.
For this survey, ancient yews and pollarded willows are not included.

To record for the register you need to note the exact location, the species, the girth of the trunk, notes on the tree and a photo if possible.
If you would like to help with this interesting work, contact Harry Green or John Tilt at Worcs, Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, WR3 8SZ, Tel.01905 754919, who will be happy to send further information and recording forms. All volunteers and contributions will be greatly welcomed!