Download the Recording Sheet here:
arborglyph_recording_sheet.xls | |
File Size: | 57 kb |
File Type: | xls |
Guide to Recording Arborglyphs (Tree Carvings)
What you need to record arborglyphs:
Camera
Photographic or small scale
Blu-Tack (to stick the scale to the tree)
Tape measure
Ranging pole (if available)
Pen and notebook/recording sheet
GPS or Smart Phone with GPS
How to record arborglyphs:
The arborglyphs should be photographed, measured and their location recorded – use the recording sheet (excel) which contains all the required fields of information.
Main tasks:
1 Note down the date and the area that you are recording the tree carvings. Give the area a 3
letter site code, e.g. Yatesbury can be YAT.
2 Often there are a number of arborglyphs on each tree, therefore give each tree a number and
letter the individual arborglyphs on that tree. Eg YAT1A, YAT1B etc….
3 Take an initial photograph of the tree (with a ranging pole if you have one) – this will enable you
or others to recognise the tree for a follow up visit.
4 Record the location of the tree using a GPS. If you don’t have one then note down the grid
reference as accurately as possible using a 1:25,000 scale map.
5 Measure the arborglyph (width and height), its height on the tree (to its centre) and its orientation
– north, south, east or west.
6 Make a note of any details of the arborglyph – words, letters, dates or symbols – including
unidentifiable letters etc….
7 Make a note of any external factors – its condition or damage by ivy, moss, etc….
8 Photograph the arborglyph with a small photographic scale.
9 Record the type of tree (normally the carvings are on smooth barked trees, such as beech) and
measure its circumference.
10 Rename the photographs of the arborglyph using the individual arborglyph recording reference
– eg YAT1A.