Memorial Trees

Alnus glutinosa, belongs to the birch family betulaceae. Alder is a deciduous tree, growing to around 30m and flowering february to march. Alder is a popular food plant for many insects and moth larvae and its catkins provide an early source of nectar for bees and the seeds are enjoyed by many birds.

Betula pubescens: Triangular in shape but more rounded at the base than silver birch leaves. Leaf stalks are downy, as opposed to hairless on silver birch.

Downy birch is monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers (catkins) are found on the same tree. Appearing from April to May, male catkins are long and yellow-brown in colour. They hang in groups of two to four at the tips of shoots, like lambs' tails; while female catkins are smaller, short, bright green and erect.

Quercus rober, is a large deciduous tree which develops a magnificent, broad crown, it’s leaves are shallow, rounded lobes, turning reddish-brown in autumn. Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins grow amongt the young leaves.

Crataegus monogyna, ‘The May-tree’, due to its flowering period, can reach a height of 15m and are characterised by their dense, thorny habit, though they can grow as a small tree with a single stem. Once pollinated the flowers develop into red fruits known as 'haws’.

Corylus avellana, has copper brown, smooth, peeling bark. Its twigs have reddish glandular hairs and its buds are oval, blunt and hairy. The normal lifespan is around 70+ years, but coppicing enables this tree to live to great ages of several hundred years. Hazel is a very valuable tree for wildlife, it provides food and habitat for moths, butterflies, dormice, squirrels and birds.

Ilex aquifolium , mature trees can grow up to 15m and live for 300 years! The leaves will be dark green, glossy and oval. Younger plants have spiky leaves, but over time will become smooth. Once pollinated by insects, female flowers develop into red berries through the winter.

(Mountain ash) Sorbus acuparia, is an upright deciduous tree with pinnate leaves turning yellow in autumn, and flat clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by orangered berries in early autumn, which are enjoyed by many bird species.

Pinus sylvestris, is a large evergreen tree growing to 25m, with the upper trunk and branches orange-brown. They have twisted grey-green needles which are borne in pairs and cones that grow from its branches.

Betula pendula, is an elegant medium-sized deciduous tree with slender drooping twigs, overtime the bark becomes a silvery white. Which is where it gets its name. Leaves ovate, yellow in autumn and flowers in catkins.

Prunus avium, is a beautiful and ornate broadleaf native tree, which can live up to 60 years. It has a shiny brown bark with oval leaves. The spring flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, while the cherries are eaten by birds.