An enchanting woodland walk in Bolton really does have an air of magic.
The Millennium Wood in Harwood is home to a tree which could have come straight from the pages of Harry Potter.
So much so that local residents have named it the ‘Harry Potter Whomping Willow’ .
It is one of a number of veteran trees found in the Millennium Wood in Harwood, which provide an intriguing lives in to the past.
Veteran trees are of huge significance and have features found on ancient trees.
They are usually in their second or mature stage of life.
These trees provide a haven for wildlife as they have holes, cavities, and crevices.
Veteran trees can host fungi and other decaying qualities which is again pivotal for forest ecology and biodiversity.
Three such trees have recently been recorded at Millennium Wood in Bolton, after Friends of Harwood and Longsight Park spotted them.
Dr Jane Wilcock said: “Veteran trees can be found anywhere and are importance because they usually have holes where wildlife may live.
“We are putting up signs to show we have them at the Millennium Wood so that people can see them on walks.
“Trees go from saplings, mature, veteran and then ancient and as they become ancient trees the tree becomes a very vibrant habitat.
“I’ve seen 20 different things living on it which I never would have thought possible before.”
Veteran trees can also be veteran due to damage, and are not always due to age but all ancient trees are classed as veteran.
Dr Wilcock said: “The tree itself has a role and it is very likely the balance of nature is important to our own survival as our soil quality revolves around the fungi and mosses.
“It’s breathing out oxygen for us and has a physiology role.
“Bolton had a lot of trees cut down and when we look at Harwood Vale now it is a site of interest and decades ago the council worked to restore it.
“There are lots of veteran trees there and we are uncovering it and finding out about the history.”
Veteran trees may be 150 years or older as some trees have a longer life span.
Dr Wilcock said: “You build up a picture of what it must have been like centuries ago.
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“It’s just fascinating and we are not an area that has a lot. “
Anyone can inspect a tree on their own land or in a woodland area and submit the pictures to the Woodland Trust to confirm.
There are over 30 different types of veteran trees in Bolton according to the Woodland Trust map.
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