Alan Hunton from the Woodland Trust gave an enthusiastic talk about their work and looked in detail at ancient woodland and trees in our area.

He described the typical features of ancient woodland and cited Burton Bushes near Beverley with its old oaks as an example. He highlighted the recently planted wood at Whelkie Wynds near Flamborough as an example of efforts being made to increase woodland with native trees.

Alan described the “Northern Forest” initiative which stretches in patches from the East Riding across to Lancashire where 10 million trees have already been planted.

He explained how different trees have different life spans.  An old sweet chestnut at Burton Constable allowed him to show the features of a tree approaching the end of its life.

Many of the roads in Bridlington are lined with stately Wheatley elms. Alan thinks Bridlington has more of these than any other town.

He concluded with a look at the benefits that trees bring us.

The vote of thanks was given by Val Lunn.