Forest chiefs who couldn’t see the wood for the flowers are rubbing their hands in glee after discovering veteran trees hundreds of years old.

About a dozen previously unknown specimens have been found in 200-acre Shining Cliff, near Ambergate, Derbyshire, after Forestry Commission workers hacked their way through a jungle of rhododendrons as part of conservation efforts.

Left unchecked, the alien species would smother the ancient woodland site, choking the life out of trees and plants and damaging important wildlife habitats.

Amongst the trees breaking cover for the first time in decades are gnarled old oaks and sweet chestnuts thought to be at least 300 years old.

Forester Albin Smith said:

“We were stunned when we made the find. There are other veteran trees in Shining Cliff, but to discover such geriatrics lurking amidst the rhododendrons was astonishing. Even old trees can retain their virility we hope that the newly discovered ones will regenerate naturally, with their seed nourished by sunlight, now able to penetrate to the ground."

Work to clear over 25 acres of rhododendrons from Shining Cliff is ongoing as part of a “back to nature” plan, which will see more native broadleaf trees take root.

The wood is a key wildlife haven and includes rich plant-life around springs seeping through the ground. It also contains the wizened remnants of an old Yew, called the Betty Kenny Tree, thought to have inspired the "Rock a Bye Baby" nursery rhyme.

Media calls to Richard Darn on 0775 367 0038 / 01226 246351.

Note to editor

Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. For more visit www.forestry.gov.uk