AS 21 historic trees that make up part of Dorset's Beech Avenue succumb to nature and old age, the National Trust is asking people to come forward with memories of the landmark.

Work begins on Monday on the B3082 near Wimborne Minister, with traffic controls in place, to remove diseased and dying trees that form part of the avenue at Kingston Lacy.

The trust says that disease, climate change and old age are taking their toll and, as well as the 21 specimens being removed for safety reasons, a further 78 will have limbs that are at risk of dropping removed.

It has prompted the trust to set about recording memories of the avenue of trees for an exhibition next year.

A spokesman said: "The trust is inviting people to contribute their memories and share what Beech Avenue means to them.

"People are invited to use words, take photos, create paintings or other artistic responses - it's very open."

A series of oral archiving sessions will be held at Kingston Lacy on Saturday and Sunday, October 4 and 5.

The closing date for general entries into the exhibition is the end of January 2009.

The National Trust says the best and most moving entries will be used to create the exhibition at Kingston Lacy and to build a lasting memorial to "one of Dorset's best-loved landmarks".

Entries should be sent to Beech Avenue Celebrations, Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minister, Dorset BH21 4EA and further information is available at nationaltrust.org.uk/kingstonlacy.

While the work takes place, stop-go boards will be in place on parts of the two-and-a-half-mile stretch of road. They will be operating from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.