Veteran Trees are amazing. They contain a wealth of wildlife and are a link to the past world of medieval deer parks and commoners� grazing. As part of the Veteran Tree Initiative led by English Nature Helen Read was commissioned to pull together current experience and best practice in the management of old pollards and other veterans.

This handbook will be of value to anyone who has an interest in or needs to manage old trees. Additional (free) booklets about veteran trees on grants, and the issues of safety and legal responsibilities are available from Natural England. We are continuing our work on this topic through the Wood-pasture and Parkland Habitat Action Plan.