THE most important trees in Wanstead and Woodford are set to be given a new lease of life when millions of pounds are ploughed into a woodland heritage project.

More than a thousand 'Keystone Trees' have been identified by the Epping Forest and Commons Committee to receive special attention under the Branching Out project.

Almost £5 million of Heritage Lottery money will go toward ensuring that the oldest, most vulnerable, biggest and most ecologically important trees in the forest will be cared for and maintained for many years to come.

The money Lottery will also go towards creating 15 apprentice role for local students.

Epping Forest Superintendent Jeremy Dagley said: "Most of the Lottery money is going to trees in Essex but we have identified quite a few Keystone trees in Wanstead and Woodford which we will now be able to do additional work on.

"The UK has more veteran trees than almost anywhere in western Europe and we have more ancient trees in Epping Forest than anywhere else in the country.

"We have tens of thousands here and it's the most exceptional survival story considering we're right next to London."

Sweet Chestnuts in Wanstead Park and Oaks and Beeches at Lords Bushes in Woodford Green are among the trees that will benefit from the increase in funding.

All Keystone Trees will be tagged, mapped, photographed and given prescriptions for future care, such as staggered surgery work, risk assessments and the safe-guarding of neighbouring wildlife.

Supt Int Dagley added: "It is vital we look after these trees as they are our treasure house of nature.

"Away from coastal habitats, ancient trees are the most wildlife-rich in the country.

"They support a whole range of insects, animals and plants to the extent to which Epping Forest is our rain forest."

The Branching Out project is part of a wider restoration that will see the erection of a hunting lodge in Chingford, improved access and the reintroduction of grazing animals to the forest.