Climbing to great heights, with roots so deep, they have witnessed the passing of centuries, this week we celebrate the magnificence and strength of trees and highlight the important role they play in the ecosystem, with National Tree Week.

Throughout the history of our planet trees have played a vital role, from providing shelter and building materials, to offering food and water, to being a symbol in almost every race and religion across the world.

Yet they face deforestation, pollution and climate change, all because of humans.

At CRT we are pioneering the protection, restoration and preservation of trees.

The ancient orchards of Awnells Farm, Herefordshire, play host to fruit trees over 300 years old, that have been given the chance to grow and age naturally, whilst developing a symbiotic ecosystem around it.

Because of this opportunity of healthy age and growth, this year the rare orchard tooth fungus was able to fruit on Awnells. This elusive species only grows on old apple trees near the end of their life and is a ‘vulnerable’ UKBAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) species that is in decline across the UK.

CRT Wildlife Monitor Ruth Moss said: “If we allow our natural world to grow and thrive, then rare British species will do so too, like the orchard tooth fungus. The Awnells Farm orchard is home to 80-year-old apple trees and 300 to 400-year-old pear trees that encourage rich ecosystems, capture carbon from the atmosphere – and produce delicious cider!”

The growth of this rare fungi shows that the regenerative farming practices used across the 220-acre grassland are helping to reverse the decline in British biodiversity.

This winter we are planting more trees across our sites, from disease-resistant elm trees to hedges and shrubs. Each planting has it’s own unique reason and influence on the surrounding ecosystem.

Please make a donation today so the CRT can continue to restore a living, working countryside...