Ancient oaks

We are hugely privileged to have a number of ancient oaks on the farm. These majestic trees, over 200 years old, are not only beautiful, but also very important for wildlife.

Each oak tree can support about 350 different species of insects - more than any other species of tree. A single tree may have more than 30 different species of lichen growing on its bark. Huge numbers of creatures seek food and shelter in the crevices of the bark, amongst the canopy of fresh green leaves, the hollow trunks of old trees, the leaf litter and branches of dead and rotting wood at its base.

We look after our ancient oaks as best we can, with occasional visits from the tree surgeon as required. We're also ensuring the next generation of oaks and other native species on the farm with an ongoing tree-planting programme.