How can the habitat features of ancient veteran trees be best replicated in a structural design to best utilise waste dead wood?

ABSTRACT Ancient veteran trees and their associated habitat are valuable ecological cornerstones within numerous global ecosystems. However, modern pressures such as urban sprawl and rigorous safety and maintenance regimes threaten the longevity and continuity of habitat provision. Furthermore, modern Arboricultural amenity, safety and development works create large quantities of waste dead wood with limited commercial value (especially concerning wood with valuable habitat features, e.g., decay, cracks, and cavities). This study identifies the main habitat features of AVTs, the main techniques available for the utilisation of dead wood for habitat; and recommends criteria for a structural design that best utilises waste dead wood to replicate the habitat features of AVTs. The findings suggest that the structure should replicate a tubular hollow filled with detritus and decaying wood, incorporating as many cracks and cavities to access the internal structure at different horizons as possible. The final design incorporates these features, utilising as much waste dead wood as possible, in a way that best replicates valuable habitat features of an ancient veteran tree.