Ancient & Veteran Tree Mapping
ARBORICULTURE & GIS
Client
London Borough of Havering
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Project Type
Ancient & Veteran Tree Mapping
Status
Complete / Ongoing updates
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Location
Havering, London ​​
The London Borough of Havering commissioned TMA Environmental Consultants to support the delivery of a borough-wide Ancient and Veteran Tree Survey, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Mayor of London. The project aimed to create an accurate, public-facing digital map of Havering’s oldest and most ecologically significant trees.​
Overview
Havering contains a diverse landscape of parks, historic green spaces, golf courses, nature reserves, and residential areas. The Ancient & Veteran Tree Map displays tree locations, species information and site contexts across council-managed parks, sports grounds, graveyards, golf courses, streets, nature reserves and private properties.
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Challenge
Key challenges included collating ecological information from multiple locations, ensuring spatial accuracy across the borough, and producing a digital resource accessible to both technical and public audiences. Ancient trees occur in varied contexts, historic deer parks, old hedgerows and former royal hunting landscapes requiring careful classification.
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Our Approach​
TMA led the digital mapping process through the EnviroMap platform, integrating survey data into an interactive GIS tool that allows users to search by postcode, view tree attributes and explore Havering’s historic treescape. TMA standardised dataset structures, applied consistent tagging and delivered a clear interface supporting community engagement.
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Collaboration
The project was supported by UKSPF funding and delivered collaboratively with Havering Council’s parks and environmental teams. TMA worked closely with Council officers to ensure the mapping system aligned with conservation priorities and public engagement objectives.
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Outcome
The Ancient & Veteran Tree Map provides a powerful tool for biodiversity conservation, heritage appreciation and long-term tree protection. It enhances public awareness, supports planning decisions and strengthens Havering’s commitment to safeguarding its ancient treescape.
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Services Provided
• Ancient & veteran tree GIS mapping
• Data standardisation and digital integration
• EnviroMap platform deployment
• Ecological dataset consolidation
• Public-facing digital resource development