What is tree graffiti?
Tree graffiti, or arborglyphs as they are sometimes known, are words, dates or images etching into the bark of a tree some time in the past. Normally found on trees with smooth bark, such as beech trees, the graffiti represents the interaction between humans and the woodland at the time they were creates and provides a glimpse into how the area has been used over hundreds of years.
Examples:
Dates – The most common graffiti found is that of dates. These are either associated with the management of the woodland at that time or can provide a calendar of when people visited the area.
Initials and names – As well as dates, we often find the initials or name of the individuals who wrote the date, providing a personal touch as to who has created the graffiti. These can oftener be found near popular areas to visit of locations associated with Second World Was activities.
Pictures – If you’re very lucky, you may find a picture that has been carved into the tree. These can vary from eagles, to boats, houses and even people.
Witch marks –Sometimes you may find a series of concentric circles. These are often suggested to be ‘witch marks’ with a purpose to ward off evil spirits.
The Kings Mark – The most commonly occurring tree graffiti that can be spotted in the New Forest is that of the Kings Mark. This is represented as a broad arrow head and was used to identify trees that will be used for ship building. It dates back as far as the 12th century but is more commonly linked to dates from the 19th century.
How do I take part?
We need your help to record the tree graffiti in the New Forest! By photographing any graffiti you see on your walks and sharing them on Instagram using the hashtag #NFTallTales, along with locational information, we will be able to start to draw together a database of the New Forest’s trees tale tales. You can also fill in an online recording from which can be found on the Online Form tab.
Why is it important?
Tree graffiti offers us an infight into how people have interacted with the New forest over hundreds of years. Trees, however, are very fragile. High winds can cause threes to blow over and die, as trees get older the can also die and rot. Also, the New Forest has active woodland magnet taking place that can threaten this record if the sites are not known. Your work will help to protect and preserve this record and allow researchers to investigate human interactions with woodlands for years to come.
Be responsible
The New Forest trees are fragile and support an array of life. Whilst we record old tree graffiti, we do not encourage you to create new graffiti. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos.
Be safe
Always follow Forestry England’s guidance to exploring the New Forest and their woodlands.
Always obey signage
Don’t enter woodlands during high winds
This project is only focused on public woodlands managed by Forestry England, do not enter private land.
