Before embarking on a tour of some of our countries grandest and oldest trees, we visit "Prehistoric Britain", a time before the "Dinosaurs arose and ruled the Earth, a time when the world was inhabited by strange and fantastic species of flora and fauna, the time before Britain separated from Europe’s landmass.

We view, fossils of extinct tree like organisms such as the Lepidodendron which was a key species in formation of the great coal reserves that mankind has since exploited to fuel his industrial revolution, and many marvel at the slides of Britain’s little known Fossil Forests on the south coast where prehistoric fossilized tree trunks and stumps can still be seen.

(Image above) The Linton, Yew over 1,000years old

Britain is home to arguably some of the most ancient living organisms on earth, some of which are believed to be between 4-5000 years old and which are dated as such by notable experts like Sir David Bellamy and the Tree Council. The Ancient Trees of Britain have also rightly been called the "Silent Watchmen of History", some were even in existence before the rise of the first human civilisations, and as such they stand alone as unique living organisms having witnessed the rise of the Celts in Britain, the coming and going of the Romans, the Vikings, the Saxons, and the Normans. We also the explore the history in connection with some of Britain's most outstanding Ancient and Veteran Oak, Beech, Birch, Yews and Limes.

The specimens in my slide collections are of some of the finest or sometimes the most unusual of our native species.

Image right: The Tortworth Chestnut,over 800yrs old

Image left: The Marton Oak

Perhaps the greatest of the ancient Oak trees in Britain, with colossal girth, classified as one of our 50 truly great trees.

Image right: The Astbury Yew, Cheshire

One of my favorite Yews, every time I see it I am amazed to see that its still standing!