Natural England may invite tenders for a veteran tree survey in Dorset early in 2024, pending budget approval.

The survey is part of our review of Creech Grange SSSI and the biological features which may qualify as defined at Guidelines for selection of SSSIs https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/guidelines-for-selection-of-sssis/ The proposed components of the work are: • A walkover of land not previously surveyed to establish if there is veteran and ancient tree resource worthy of more detailed survey. • Detailed survey of trees within areas identified in that walkover, and other areas previously identified.

Recording will be based on the method set out in the 'Veteran Trees Initiative Specialist Survey Method'. • Validation and rationalisation of tree data collected during previous 'veteran tree, lichen, saprotrophic fungi and saproxylic invertebrate surveys. • Detailed survey of smaller additional areas of scrub and woodland to establish their significance. • Appraisal of the 'future veteran' cohort • Tagging selected trees tbc.

Access to part of the survey area within MoD Lulworth Ranges is restricted to weekends (including some Friday afternoons until 4pm) and the Easter holidays subject to confirmation by MoD.

We hope to initiate the survey in mid-March, subject to availability of the chosen contractor.

The total survey area above is roughly 6 square kilometres and the estimated number of trees requiring detailed survey is circa 500 veteran/ancient trees.