Our Established UK Native Trees 

The English oak holds a special place in our culture, history, and hearts. It supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK; even its fallen leaves support biodiversity.

Size - A large, deciduous tree growing up to 20–40m tall which can live for 100s of years.  

Where to find it - English oak is the second most common tree species in the UK, after Birch. It’s especially common in deciduous woods in southern and central Britain.

Value to wildlife -  Oak forests support more life forms than any other native forest. They are host to hundreds of insect species, supplying many birds with an important food source. In autumn, mammals such as squirrels, badgers and deer feed on acorns. 

Uses & Mythology - Druids practised rituals in Oak groves and cherished the mistletoe that grows in Oak-tree branches, ancient kings and Roman Emperors wore crowns of Oak leaves. In England, the Oak is a national symbol of strength. Couples were wed under ancient Oaks in Oliver Cromwell’s time.

This common tree, with its silver-white bark, is favoured by both landscapers and gardeners.

Size - Silver Birch is a striking, medium-sized deciduous tree and can reach 30 m in height, forming a light canopy with elegant, drooping branches. The white bark sheds layers like tissue paper and becomes black and rugged at the base. 

Where to find it -Silver Birch is a popular garden tree and often hybridises with our other native Birch, the Downy Birch, It is also tolerant to a range of temperatures. 

Value to wildlife -  Birch woods have a light, open canopy, providing the perfect conditions for grasses, mosses,  bluebells and violets to grow. Silver Birch provides food and habitat for more than 300 insect species, the leaves attracting aphids which provide food for ladybirds and other species further up the food chain.

Uses & Mythology - The Birch symbolised renewal and purification. Bundles of Birch twigs were used to drive out the spirits of the old year, and gardeners still use the Birch broom, to 'purify' their gardens. It is also used as a symbol of love and fertility.

Size - Mature trees can reach 30 in height, forming a light canopy with elegant, drooping branches. Downy Birch is more upright than Silver Birch. 

Where to find it -Downy Birch tends to grow on damper soils than Silver Birch and can even tolerate peat bogs and clay. 

Value to wildlife -  Birch woods  have a light, open canopy, providing the perfect conditions for grasses, mosses,  bluebells and violets to grow. Silver Birch provides food and habitat for more than 300 insect species. The leaves attracting aphids which provide food for ladybirds and other species further up the food chain. 

Uses & Mythology -The birch symbolised renewal and purification. Bundles of birch twigs were used to drive out the spirits of the old year, and gardeners still use the birch  broom, to 'purify' their gardens. It is also used as a symbol of love and fertility.

Beautiful blossom and a bounty of bright red fruits. Wild cherry is one of the prettiest UK native trees.

Size - Mature trees can grow to 30m and live for up to 60 years.  

Where to find it - Wild cherry is native throughout the UK, except the far north. It grows best in full sunlight and fertile soil. 

Value to wildlife - The spring flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees; while the cherries are eaten by birds, including the blackbird and song thrush; as well as mammals, such as the badger, wood mouse, yellow-necked mouse and dormouse. The foliage is the main food plant for caterpillars of many species of moth. 

Uses & Mythology - Wild cherry has many cultivars and is a popular ornamental tree in gardens. Traditionally, cherries were planted for their fruit and also their wood which was used for making cask hoops and vine poles. 

Cherry wood is still used to make decorative veneers and furniture. The wood is hard, strong, burns well and produces a sweetly scented smoke. 

Also known as the pussy willow, the male catkins of the goat willow look like a cat’s paws. It supports lots of wildlife, including rare  butterflies.

Size - Mature trees grow to 10m and can live for 300 years.

 Where to find it -It is found growing in woodland, hedgerows and scrub, and on damper, more open ground near lakes, streams and canals. 

Value to wildlife - Goat Willow foliage is eaten by the caterpillars of a number of moths. It is also the main food plant for the purple emperor butterfly. Catkins provide an important early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and birds use Goat Willow to forage for caterpillars and insects.

 Uses & Mythology- willows are  associated with sadness and mourning. Goat Willow timber is soft but unlike most willows, Goat Willow  twigs are not suitable for weaving. The wood burns well and makes a good fuel and charcoal.

Size - a deciduous, broadleaf tree which retains its leaves throughout the winter. Mature trees can reach a height of 30m and live for more than 300 years.

Where to find it -native to the south of the UK but widely planted elsewhere, Hornbeam is naturally found in oak woodland and is often coppiced or pollarded for poles.

Value to wildlife  - like Beech, a Hornbeam hedge will keep its leaves all year round, providing shelter, roosting, nesting and foraging opportunities for birds and small mammals.

Uses & Mythology- Hornbeam timber is extremely hard, the hardest wood of any tree in Europe. It is mainly used for furniture, flooring and wood turning. Traditionally the wood was made into ox yokes, butchers' chopping blocks, coach wheels and cogs for windmills and watermills. The wood also burns well and makes good firewood and charcoal. 

Holly is a well-loved shrub that shelters birds and gives hedgehogs a cosy place to hibernate.

Size - Mature trees can grow up to 15m and live for 300 years. 

Where to find it - it is common in woodland, scrub and hedgerows, especially in Oak and Beech woodland. 

Value to wildlife -  Holly provides dense cover and good nesting opportunities for birds, while its deep, dry leaf litter may be used by hedgehogs and small mammals for hibernation. The berries are a vital source of food for birds  and small mammals in winter. 

Uses & Mythology- It is commonly used to make walking sticks. Holly wood also makes good firewood and burns with a strong heat.

The tree was seen as a fertility symbol and a charm against witches, goblins and the devil. It was thought to be unlucky to cut down a holly tree. Holly branches are still used to decorate homes and make wreaths at Christmas.

Rowan is an elegant tree, its leaves and berries are a favourite for wildlife both in woods and towns.

Size - Mature trees can grow to 15m in height and can live for up to 200 years Where to find it - most common in the UK in the north and west, it often grows in high-altitude locations. 

Value to wildlife - the leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of a number of moths. Flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, while the berries are a rich source of autumn food for birds. 

Uses & Mythology - Rowan was once widely planted by houses as a protection against witches. The colour red was considered to be the best colour for fighting evil, and so the rowan’s bright red berries have been associated with magic and witches.

The Field Maple is a sturdy broadleaf which supports caterpillars, aphids, and all their predators,  and  resists air pollution.

Size - Field Maple can grow to 20m and live for up to 350 years. 

Where to find it - it is found in woods, scrub and hedgerows, and on chalk lowland. It is widely planted in gardens and parks due to its compact habit, tolerance of pollution and rich autumn colours.

 Value to wildlife - Field Maple is attractive to aphids and their predators, including many species of ladybird, hoverfly and bird. 

Uses & Mythology -Traditional uses include woodturning and carving. Its wood is also popular for making musical instruments.