During our survey work, we have been trying to gather as much useful information on native woodlands as we can. Native woods are very difficult to age correctly, and yet knowing approx how old trees are is very important.
We are using a simple 1-7 scale devised by Tim Clifford for giving trees a "life-class", which simply describes where on the scale a tree is from unsecured regeneration through to over-mature, and indeed, dead. Although it sounds a bit subjective, qualifying criteria have been laid out, and once you get your eye in, it is a very simple and useful technique. For every woodland remant we survey, we are noting the species and life classes present. This will help us to easily describe the age profile present, which remnants are relatively young and healthy, which are at risk from extinction. This age class scale was devised for use with the native pinewoods at Glenfeshie. I have modified it a little bit to be applicable to broadleaved trees as well.
If you would like more information on this, e-mail me at victor.clements@scottishnativewoods.org.uk and I will send you a more detailed set of criteria.
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