🌳 Our very own veterans

National Tree Week runs from 24th November - 2nd December 2025

We have a huge number of trees in and around Whitlingham Country Park, including numerous veteran trees which have been standing here long before any of us were around. Let's celebrate them!

This map from The Woodland Trust shows the locations of veteran trees in our area. The ones marked with a no entry sign are on private Crown point Estate Land but there are plenty of specimens to see within Whitlingham Woods, the Lime Avenue and the Great Broad marked with white dots in the centre of the pins.

Just like humans, trees age steadily, so some of the veterans might not look too pretty at first glance, but what incredible stories they would have for us if they could speak! They have seen a huge amount of local change and survived through it all to stand with us today. They are certainly much older than this country park, which is only in its 20s.

How can you spot a veteran tree?

One way is to view the Woodland Trust's inventory and seek them out on your walk. The image above is taken from that site.

Another way is to look for trees which are displaying signs of age including:

• dead or decaying limbs than may have fallen

• fungus growing on the trunk or branches

• hollow trunk or decay holes

• large girth of the trunk from many years of growth

A wonderful veteran tree in Whitlingham Woods

An ancient tree is different to a veteran tree. The Woodland Trust say:

Although veteran trees aren’t as old or complex as ancient trees, they still provide holes, cavities and crevices which are especially important for wildlife.

Decaying trees are an essential part of the woodland eco-system and many invertebrates rely on those conditions to survive and to nurture their young.

When trees need our help

Two of our park rangers are tree inspection trained and all of our trees are inspected regularly for public safety. Any issues are dealt with either by our own staff, or by specialist local contractors.

Our team cannot feasibly examine every single tree in the park, so please do not venture off pathways as areas away from designated routes will not have been specifically checked and may potentially be hazardous.

Occasionally you will notice that we display a Yellow Wind Warning which means that strong gusts can potentially bring trees or branches down unexpectedly. A Yellow Wind Warning means there will be gusts of over 40mph. Older trees are particularly vulnerable as they may not be a structurally strong enough to withstand the wind.

How can you celebrate and enjoy trees this week?

Here are some ideas for visitors of all ages:

1. Look up and notice the dappled light through the leaves

2. Take notice of leaf shapes and try to identify the tree species

3. Look for treasures such as conkers and acorns which have fallen from trees

4. Feel the textured bark of a tree trunk

5. Take a bark rubbing with paper and crayons

6. Identify the tallest or widest tree you can see

7. Find a leaf with more than three different colours on it

8. Take a paint chart leaflet from a DIY shop and try to find leaves to match the paint colours

9. Look for amazing fungus growing on or near a tree - But please don't touch!

10. Look for a skeleton leaf where just the veins have yet to decay. A rare sight! (see image 3)

Do take time to stop and appreciate our elder trees as you explore the park. Enjoy your next visit!

Need help to identify trees? This A-Z tree list from the Woodland Trust might help.