TREE wardens from around the county are hoping to spot more ancient trees throughout Worcestershire.

Organised by Worcestershire County Council's Countryside Service and led by Worcestershire ancient tree register members Harry Green and John Tilt, 28 wardens met to learn more about the recording of ancient trees.

Six ancient trees were recorded in Nunnery Wood at Worcester Woods Country Park as part of the veteran tree training course.

Worcestershire has documented more than 800 ancient trees and these recent findings will be passed on to the nationwide Ancient Tree Forum, which raises awareness of the value and importance of veteran trees and ancient woodland.

Wade Muggleton, county council senior wider countryside officer, said: "Worcestershire is believed to be an area rich in ancient trees and we hope the tree wardens will be able to go out and record them so they might be better protected and cared for in the future."

The Countryside Service is offering residents the opportunity to help develop the county's heritage by buying local fruit trees as Christmas gifts.

The county's once famous orchards have drastically reduced in number and as a result some local fruit varieties have become rare.

Mr Muggleton said: "This is a great opportunity for people to grow their own little bit of Worcestershire heritage and a tree would also make a great and unusual present."

A selection of specifically grown apple and pear varieties are available at a cost of £15 and they will be available until February 28, 2006.

For an application leaflet telephone 01905 766493. Alternatively details can be downloaded from http:/worcestershire.whub,org.uk/home/cs-countryside-fruit.pdf.