THE first work party of the Chilterns Commons Project set to work to give some much needed care and attention to a group of oak trees.

The project was launched by the Chilterns Conservation Board last month with £400,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding and aims to preserve and promote commons.

Younger trees around mature oak trees on Moorend Common, near Lane End, were cut back allowing them to thrive at a lower level without endangering the veteran trees.

Organisers says commons are under threat as there is an increasing demand for land from agriculture, housing and commerce but the biggest threat is neglect.

The project aims to conserve these open spaces.

The tree-haloing work involved a partnership between Lane End Parish Council, Moorend Common’s volunteer warden, Sonning Common Green Gym, a tree specialist and the Chilterns Commons Project.

Moorend Common volunteer warden, Katy Dunn, said: ‘It’s so important to keep up the maintenance on our commons and open spaces so that we don’t lose these amazing, varied landscapes for good.

"We’re very grateful to the Green Gym and to the Chilterns Commons Project for helping us to preserve the beautiful woods and meadows of Moorend Common."

Tree specialist, Peter Whipp, gave the volunteer work party a short talk about the importance of mature trees, especially oaks, as they are a good wildlife habitat due to all the cracks and holes that develop as the tree ages.

However, younger trees growing up through the canopy of the older tree can shade it out and accelerate its decline. Releasing the mature tree from the competition for light helps it to live longer.

To find out more about the Chilterns Commons Project visit: www.chilternsaonb.org/commons or email project officer Rachel Sanderson at rsanderson@chilternsaonb.org