Ancient woods and big old trees could tell so many stories if only they could talk.
The biggest, fattest, gnarliest trees in the UK have stood for many hundreds of years. They have seen famous battles, hidden kings from their enemies and watched as times change.
Even old trees in your neighbourhood have tales to tell. They have seen generations of families and watched people leave and new people move in. They've seen the many different ways people have dressed through the ages, from the big flouncy dresses of Victorian ladies to the shell suits of the 1980's!
While you can't ask trees exactly what they have seen, you can do a little digging in history, ask relatives and even use your imagination to tell their tales for them.
Below are some ideas to help you uncover the stories of ancient trees and woods.
We'd love to read about what you discover or make up so please share your stories with us.
Getting started
Find your tree
The first thing to do is find your ancient tree. If you don't already know where there is a big old tree you can find one using the Ancient Tree Hunt's interactive map.
Hug your tree
Find out how old your tree is by giving it a hug. Download this free guide to measuring trees to help you.
Fact finding
Search local history
Once you've found out how old your tree is you can start finding out what it might have witnessed in its lifetime by doing an internet search for the local history of your town. Most towns and cities will have historical information online. Local History Online is a good place to start. Visit their website www.local-history.co.uk
Your local library will also be able to help with your search.
Ask relatives and neighbours
Ask your grandparents or older relatives about how things have changed during their lifetime. Try asking them how much bigger and fatter the tree is now.
Download this free guide to help you get the information you need.
Writing your story
Now you've got all your information you write your story. You don't need to stick to the facts, why not got wild with your imagination and make it even more interesting? Try imagining characters through the ages of the tree's life, from soldiers who may have fought in famous battles to Victorian children who played in the tree. Imagine their names, what they looked like, how the dressed. And of course don't forget to mention how they used the tree.
Once you've written your story, tell it to friends and family who also live near the tree. They'll be fascinated to hear it's history, even the made up bits! And please share it with us too by finding the wood the tree is in and adding it to the blog. If your tree isn't in a wood you can email your story to visitwoods@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Happy National Storytelling Week!