IF A lovely old Dorset tree has inspired you to verse or worse, then your art could feature in a new book.

Dorset residents are being invited to get involved with a new publication celebrating the county’s gnarled old trees.

The Dorset Greenwood Tree Project book will focus on the biological, historical and cultural importance of our magnificent, ancient boughs.

Emma Brawn, Dorset Greenwood Tree officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust is launching a competition for the chance to have a piece of work published in the book.

She is asking people to send in a tree related quote, poem, short story, drawing, painting or old or modern photograph.

“People are always fascinated with trees, especially big old gnarled trees and they often have a great love for a particular one, perhaps because of family connections,” said Emma.

“The competition will provide a great opportunity for people to document their thoughts, pictures and stories, with the possibility that it might be published.”

If you don’t know if your favourite tree is a veteran, Emma has some tips.

“Veteran trees make you go ‘Wow!’. They are of interest for wildlife, historically and culturally because of their age, size and condition. They are trees in the ancient stages of their life and trees which are old relative to others of the same species.”

The project is a Heritage Lottery funded initiative, backed by a partnership of organisations to record, survey and conserve the county’s ancient and veteran trees.

If you know of a tree with that Wow! factor or would like a competition entry form, contact Louise Bunce on 01305 264620 or email lobunce@dorsetwildlife.co.uk