Rare access granted to Longleat’s old deer park for Ancient Tree Forum walk

LONGLEAT isn’t just famous for its lions – it also boasts some of the grandest ancient oak trees in the British Isles.

The Wessex Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) has been granted rare access to the old deer park – an area not usually open to the general public – and is hosting a walk on Friday 20th October which will take in Longleat’s many ancient and veteran trees from the Medieval period. These are survivors of the ancient Selwood Forest that bordered the estate. In fact, Longleat boasts the only remaining part of the original forest of Selwood.

As well as a fascinating walk around the old deer park – for which there is no charge, but booking is essential – the day will also include the planting of three saplings grown from ancient heritage oaks close to their parent trees, as part of the Reviving Selwood Forest project.

The walk will be led by David Blake, chairman of Wessex ATF and project development officer at Cranborne Chase AONB, Julian Hight, a local tree expert who is leading the ‘Reviving Selwood Forest’ project, and Jim McConkie, Longleat Estate’s head forester.

The day commences at 10am for a 10.30am start, with the walk concluding at approximately 4pm.

For more information, log on to www.ancienttree forum.co.uk/events/atf-       wessex-visit-to-longleat/ To book a place, email hilary.abbott@nationaltrust .org.uk.