1. Wild cherry
2. Crack willow
3. Western red cedar
4. Scots pine
5. Beech
6. Holly
7. Lime sp.
8. Sweet chestnut
9. Sycamore
10. Field maple
11. Blackthorn
12. Silver birch
13. Hazel
14. Ash
15. English oak
The trees
1. Wild cherry (Prunus avium) can grow up to 30 metres tall and is often found on the edge of woodlands and in hedgerows. In April, it produces clusters of white flowers that attract bees. During summer, it bears red cherries that are eaten by birds and mammals.
2. Crack willow (Salix fragilis) is a tall, fast-growing tree often found in wet places. It is often planted to stabilise the banks of rivers and streams. Its brittle branches break easily with a loud crack.
Caterpillars of a number of moth species feed on the leaves. In early Spring, the catkins provide nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.
3. Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is a tall evergreen tree, native to North America but widely planted in the UK. It can reach over 60 metres in ideal conditions and some trees may live for a thousand years. Its rich, reddish-brown bark peels in vertical strips, and its glossy, scale-like leaves release a pineapple scent when crushed. The tree is valued for its durable, fragrant timber, used in fencing, cladding, and furniture. Western red cedar grows quickly and is often grown as hedges.
4. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) is Britain’s only native conifer used for timber production. It can live for over 300 years and grow up to 35 metres tall.
It is recognised by its tall, straight trunk and reddish-brown bark near the crown, it has paired blue-green needles and woody cones. As a pioneer species, it helps restore degraded land.
5. Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a graceful broadleaf tree known for its smooth grey bark and dense canopy. It can grow up to 40 metres tall. In spring, its fresh green leaves emerge, turning golden or copper in autumn, often staying on younger trees through winter.
Beech trees support a range of wildlife, including birds, fungi, and insects. The tree produces small, triangular nuts eaten by animals. Beech wood is prized for furniture and flooring.
6. Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a native British evergreen with spiny leaves and red berries, which are food for birds and mammals in winter. It is traditionally used in Christmas decorations.
Holly remains an enduring symbol of seasonal renewal and cultural heritage in Britain.
7. Lime spp (Tilia spp) This lime tree with its small leaves is a native British tree valued for its heart-shaped leaves, fragrant summer flowers, and support for pollinators. Once common in ancient woodlands, it is often planted in parks and avenues.
8. Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) was introduced to Britain by the Romans, the sweet chestnut thrives in southern woodlands. Renowned for its twisting trunks and spiky fruits, it provides durable timber and edible nuts, that feed a wide range of woodland animals and birds.
9. Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a broadleaf tree that can live for 400 years. It is a hardy and fast-growing tree, providing valuable habitat for lichens, insects, and birds. Aphids are often found eating the sugar-rich honeydew made by its leaves.
10. Field maple (Acer campestre) is Britain’s only native maple, found in hedgerows and woodlands. Valued for its golden autumn leaves and tolerance of diverse soils, it supports insects like aphids and the rare maple moth. Its dense growth offers shelter for birds.
11. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is a dense spiny shrub native to Britain, often forming thickets and hedgerows, offers nesting cover for birds and mammals. It flowers in early spring with brilliant white blossoms that provide vital nectar for pollinators. Its fruits are called sloes, which feed birds and mammals in autumn.
12. Silver birch (Betula pendula) is a graceful, fast-growing native tree with distinctive white bark and delicate leaves. Its white bark often sheds as thin layers. It pioneers open and disturbed areas, improving soil for other species.
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13. Hazel (Corylus avellana) is a native British shrub enjoyed for its catkins and edible nuts. It was grown for its role in traditional hedge-making and coppicing. Its catkins provide pollen for early spring bees, while its dense growth offers shelter for birds and dormice.
14. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a tall, native tree vital to British woodlands. Its open canopy allows light to reach the woodland floor, encouraging the growth of plants and animals. Ash supports numerous lichens, insects, and birds. Traditionally valued for strong timber, it now faces threats from ash dieback, impacting woodland health and biodiversity.
15. English oak (Quercus robur ) is a long-lived native tree central to British woodlands. It supports more wildlife than any other UK tree, hosting insects, birds, and fungi. Its acorns feed mammals, and its strong timber has been used for houses and ship building. A powerful symbol of endurance in Britain’s natural and cultural heritage.
