Help map our ancient trees

Join our pioneering volunteer-led project, to record every single ancient and veteran tree in the Lost Woods area.

Ancient trees are irreplaceable. Each one acts as its own ecosystem, providing a home for a wide variety of wildlife, plants and fungi. But despite their value in supporting biodiversity and storing carbon, our oldest trees are vulnerable. Many are not legally protected, leaving them at risk from development.

Across the country and in Sussex, we don’t yet know where all our ancient trees are located or which trees are facing threats. The Lost Woods team is aiming to map every single ancient and veteran tree in the project area to help protect these living legends for future generations.

Can you help by telling us about any old trees you spot in the project area?

Tell us about a tree

volunteer

You can help protect the future of Sussex’s oldest trees by volunteering as an Ancient Tree Recorder. We’re looking for people who love nature and the great outdoors, to help us find and record ancient and veteran trees.

Full training is provided (around one or two half-day sessions) and then you’ll be allocated areas of 1 square kilometre to survey at a time that suits you. Wherever you find ancient and veteran trees in that area, you’ll note their location and make records of their condition.

You’re welcome to volunteer on your own, with friends or family, or even with your community group or club. By recording where our ancient and veteran trees are located, we will better understand how to protect them for future generations.

We have been overwhelmed by offers of help and have currently paused volunteer applications for this role. Please check back for updates.

see more volunteer roles

Tell us about a tree

If you spot an ancient or veteran tree in the Lost Woods project area, or you think one might be growing in your garden or on your land, please let us know.

It’s a good idea to view the Ancient and Veteran tree inventory to check the tree is not already registered. If it’s not, then please let us know (the app What3Words is a great tool to pinpoint the location), send us a photo of the tree and tell us the species if you can.

If you’re the landowner or know who they might be, please also include these details.

tell the team