This photographer has spent 14 years capturing stunning images of the world's oldest trees

Photographer Beth Moon, from San Francisco, spent 14 years of her life travelling the globe, capturing images of some of the world's oldest trees.

For thousands of years, these trees have survived on the planet. Some even predate the origins of Islam and Christianity.

Here are some of the incredible photos:

Avenue of Oaks

Picture: Beth Moon

Avenue with Cart

Picture: Beth Moon

These historic pieces of nature are situated in remote parts of the planet, which has allowed them to live for so long – but even their ancient existence is being threatened.

Speaking to indy100 Moon said:

Many of the trees I have photographed have survived because they are out of reach of civilization; on mountainsides, private estates, or on protected land.

Certain species exist only in a few isolated areas of the world. For example; there are 6 species of spectacular baobabs, found only on the island of Madagascar.

Sadly, the baobab is now one of the three most endangered species on the island.

Bufflesdrift Baobab

Picture: Beth Moon

Chapman's Baobab

Picture: Beth Moon

How Moon chooses to select which trees to photograph is based on a very strict system which she has devised for herself.

The criteria I use for choosing particular trees are basically three: age, immense size or notable history.

I research the locations by a number of methods; history books, botanical books, tree registers, newspaper articles and information from friends and travellers.

Desert Rose (Wadi Fa Lang)

Picture: Beth Moon

Diksom Forest

Picture: Beth Moon

Beth hopes that her pictures of the trees can help humanity better appreciate the natural world, especially when there needs to be more focus on protecting the planet.

Standing as the Earth’s largest and oldest living monuments, I believe these symbolic trees will take on a greater significance, especially at a time when our focus is directed at finding better ways to live with the environment, celebrating the wonders of nature that have survived throughout the centuries.

General Sherman

Picture: Beth Moon

Ifaty Teapot

Picture: Beth Moon

Moon adds:

By feeling a larger sense of time, developing a relationship with the natural world, we carry that awareness with us as it becomes a part of who we are.

I cannot imagine a better way to commemorate the lives of the world’s most dramatic trees, many which are in danger of destruction, than by exhibiting their portraits.

Kapok

Picture: Beth Moon

Quiver Trees at Dusk

Picture: Beth Moon

Rilke's Bayon

Picture: Beth Moon

These images and many more can be found in Beth's new book Ancient Trees: Portrait of Time.

For more information, check out Moon's website here .