A total of 15,224 venerable trees are currently registered in the Nature Data Management System, of which 633 have been recorded this year. Most of them were found and surveyed by DAP inspectors.
The most frequently officially registered species of venerable trees are the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), the Baltic pine (Pinus sylvestris) and the small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata), however, any tree that has reached the size specified in the regulatory enactments becomes a protected natural monument, said DAP. For example, a European spindle (Euonymus europaeus) becomes a venerable tree when it has reached a circumference of one meter, while a poplar has to grow to a circumference of 5 meters.
Anyone can submit a new observation of a venerable tree on the DAP website. It contains explanations and videos on how to enter a new submission for inclusion in the official national register, as well as instructions on how to measure the circumference of a tree and how thick or long a tree of each species should be to be considered a venerable tree. This year, residents have submitted 117 observations.
To ensure the recognition of protected trees, DAP, in cooperation with local authorities, places information signs rurally. In Latvia, the "Ozollapa" (Oak Leaf) protected area boundary marker is used to identify venerable trees. However, due to the large number of protected trees and limited resources, priority is given to marking relevant trees in urban areas or in places where there is more human traffic, more active economic activity, or other threats to the protected tree.
"Venerable trees have a cultural, historical, educational and, above all, natural diversity function. They play an important role in the conservation of overall biodiversity. Their existence, as well as the diversity of species that inhabit them, is a good indicator of environmental quality," said Gita Strode, Head of the Nature Conservation Department of the DAP.
Whether or not it has the Oak Leaf Label, a venerable tree has protected status. The landowner is responsible for the tree and its preservation. You can read more about the landowner's responsibilities on the DAP’s website.
