Veteran Tree Trail at Hampstead Heath

Last week, I made a trip up to London with my Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) trustee hat on. We were scheduled to have a busy couple of days and I was really looking forward to first going on a guided walk with David Humphries (@tree_myco_man), whom I chat to on a regular basis but haven’t met in person (finally!). David is the Tree Management Officer at City of London Open Spaces Department, and together with his colleagues Jonathan Meares and Alasdair Nicoll, took us on a veteran tree trail at Hampstead Heath.

Showcasing some of the work that the team carries out across the site, we were given an insight into past and present management practices, including pest control work on Oak Processionary Moths (OPMs). It was actually the first time I was seeing their nests, and although these were relatively small, it was sobering to realise the spread and impact they could have on a large scale.

The main concern that was raised throughout the guided walk was compaction. In veteran tree management and conservation, this is a major factor that could greatly affect the functionality of a tree’s root system – reducing pore space within soil that transfer water and air – which will inadvertently affect the growth and condition of a tree. With that in mind, the Hampstead Heath team have applied sensitive and minimal management techniques, the main one being installing clever and appropriate fencing to divert footfall away from significant trees needing recovery and protection from further compaction.

We also learned about the historical background of the ancient heaths and woodland, as well as how change has influenced the growth of these special trees. As we walked around, we could see that a lot of consideration has gone into planning and managing the site and footfall, as well as projecting visions for the future and carrying out management practices to cope with climate change.

Thank you to David, Jonathan and Alasdair for taking the ATF on an inspiring walk.