Trees in this Register are arranged by species, broadly in order of abundance in Horndean starting with Oaks and Yews. Click on the Icons for the species that are listed and illustrated.
Which trees go in the Register ? - Of the many thousands of trees in Horndean those included will have one or more features of importance - they may be young or old, fine specimens, rare species, make up a valuable part of the local landscape or simply affectionally known and loved by local inhabitatnts. Even dead trees are included, provided they do not threaten public safety.
Trees are assessed by the following criteria each having an index code which may be used in tree descriptions.
1. Habitats for Wildlife
1aValue as a habitat for nesting and feeding birds, bats and invertebrates, also epiphytes such as lichens and mosses.
1b Tree part of a corridor or link (habitat connectivity).
2. Landscape and Right of Way
2a A valuable part of the landscape adding to the character of the area.
2bEnhances a footpath, bridleway or boundary and helps to control access to private land
2c Masks or hides, buildings, roads, aerial masts etc.
2d Offers much needed shade to grazing animals and public.
3. Environmental Value
3a Helps to reduce noise and light pollution.
3b Improves air quality and helps to stabilise climatic extremes.
3c Maintains soil quality, reducing erosion and maintaining organic content and texture (leaf litter and essential soil bacteria).
3dHelps with soil drainage on the one hand and retaining moisture on the other.
4. Part of our Living Heritage and a link with the past
4a An Ancient Native tree or potentially a future veteran.
4b An imported planted tree, probably of Victorian origin.
The environmental value in urban Horndean is particularly relevant where there is a difficult soil (derived from Reading Beds Clay) but where semi-natural ancient woodland has survived for centuries even though in close proximity to housing.
Most of our local trees do not have legal protection, EHDC advise that TPO's will only be issued if there is an obvious threat to trees (we have too many and it is a costly process !) and this could be too late for some trees. This is why it is so important that vigilant members of the public and Tree Wardens can advise the Council Arboricultural Officers when they think that trees are threatened or being damaged by building work. A page of this website will be devoted to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) but first we must put our valued trees on the map.
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