Beijing has for the first time allowed the public to adopt ancient trees in order to better protect precious species.

The public can go to the parks or scenic spots where ancient trees stand and take care of the trees or make a donation to the administrative department, said Ye Xiangyang, head of the voluntary tree planting office under the capital's afforestation commission.

Considering that it requires skill to take care of ancient trees, the qualifications of the volunteer will be tested ahead of time, he said.