Trees are remarkable for many reasons: their height, circumference and age provide the necessary statistical information, but they may also have historical and folklore associations, or they may be critical in defining their local landscape. Sometimes they are simply the most magnificent examples of their kind on this island. Over 860 species and varieties are recorded in the register; some are endangered in their native land.

The tree register project is the first comprehensive survey of our Champion trees. The survey has turned up some surprising records. Many of the trees had been recorded as far back as the early 20th century in The Trees of Great Britain and Ireland by Elwes & Henry published between 1907 and 1913. Work on collecting records was continued by H M Fitzpatrick and in more recent times by Alan Mitchell.