Parky says
'You will need a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader programme to use the worksheet.
Heightandage.pdf (49K)
If you don't already have it, you can get download it for free from www.adobe.com.'
How old is a tree?
You can calculate the age of your tree using some simple mathematics.
Visit your local park.
Choose a tree for this activity and then follow these simple steps to measure the age of your tree:
1. Using a tape measure, measure the circumference of the tree’s trunk 1.5m from the ground.
This is known as the girth.
2. Calculate the age using the equation above.
Did you know? Most single trees grow an average of 2.5cm of girth every year!
Many parks have trees at least 100 years old - as old as your great grandparents!
Oak trees can live at least 500 years so they could have been planted as long ago as 1500 - that's before King Henry VIII came to the throne.
Check out the Tremendous Tree Type Spotter's Guide below to identify your tree.
Print out the Tree Timeline and add the following dates:
King Henry VIII crowned 1509
A tree's life
Imagine what life was like when your tree was just a little shoot.
Write down what you think your tree would have 'seen'.
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Copyright 2004 London Parks Discovery Project
