Memorial trees

Memorial trees are trees or groups or stands of trees of exceptional importance, usually unusually large or old specimens, which grow in villages, towns and the open countryside. It is forbidden to damage, destroy or disturb the natural development of memorial trees. They may only be treated with the consent of the nature conservation authority that designated the tree as a memorial tree.

In the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area, twenty specimens were declared memorial trees prior to 2004, two of which are groups of trees, i.e. 25 trees in total. These are fourteen lindens, six ashes, three beeches and two oaks. Seven of them have a trunk with a circumference of more than 5 m at a height of 1.3 m above the ground.

The oldest trees in the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area include the Šrůtkova Linden in Machov, the Vavřen Linden in Velké Petrovice and the Adršpach Linden in Horní Adršpach. The trunks of these trees are almost seven metres in circumference and their age is estimated at 300 to 500 years. Unfortunately, there are no written records that allow us to determine the age of these trees more accurately, and since they are hollow trees, we cannot even tell their age by counting the rings using special instruments.

The administration of the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area takes care of all 25 specimens listed as memorial trees. Apart from actually marking them as such, this includes professional care, especially preventive pruning, covering open cavities with canopies or attaching safety cables to keep them stable.

Memorial trees are intended as to commemorate ancient times, besides being unique natural attractions and helping to shape the typical landscape character of the villages. Thanks are due to all owners of memorial and other important trees for showing such an understanding of nature and helping to preserve its beauty.