Halo clearance of veteran trees, a process where vegetation is cleared in a halo around some of the older trees, continues across the Common. Many of our trees began their life in open areas, developing full crowns with a wide and open branch structure and large limbs forming from low down on the main trunk; after all they did not need to grow tall as there were no competing trees, unlike trees grown under a woodland canopy.

This increased crown biomass combined with age means that these trees are really important in supporting our flora, fauna and fungi. However, when trees that began life in an open area become surrounded by younger trees, they suffer due to a lack of light which can shorten their lifespan by hundreds of years. By improving light conditions, by removing competing vegetation and protecting the root system, we hope to maintain optimum conditions, so they can live out their full lifespan and provide crucial habitat for our wildlife.