Guide to UK Trees

Nothing to do with MMA – sorry – however, I thought this would be very useful for educating the kids whilst going on one of our very common walks in the woods and countryside. It’s also interesting for me to find out and have a future reference.

Most Common UK Trees

European Ash

https://www.nps.gov/articles/ash-tree-update.htm

Branch & Leaves of a European Ash Tree Image Source




Aspen – Populus Tremula



The leaves are easily damaged by sunlight.

The top leaves move a lot, so the lower leaves get their fair share of sunlight

The trees can be interconnected underground – the same tree is effectively produces several trees all connected together.

Birch leaves are much more triangular in shape, Aspen are rounded
Image Source



Silver Birch – Betula Pendula

Birch can live to about 80 years old.

The bark sheds layers, like skin

Leaves are small and triangular with a toothed edge.

Prefer light, dry and acidic soils.

Silver Birch Leaf – Image Source



Sessile Oak – Quercus Petraea

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-uk-native-trees/sessile-oak/


Unlike the English Oak, the sessile oak does not have stalks on its acorns.

These trees can be identified by their lobed shaped leaves and their acorns.

The greyish bark of this oak, used to be used in leather tanning industries.




Sweet Chestnut – Castanea Sativa

Sweet chestnut are completely different to horse chestnut, so don’t get them confused.

The easiest way to identify a sweet chestnut is by it’s big, bold, spear-shaped leaves.

The leaves have a serrated edge, like Rambo’s knife

sweet cheestnut leaf

It also produces chestnuts!

Horse Chestnut

The tree with conkers!


Scot’s Pine

Scotland’s National Tree

Image Source


Rowan Tree


About Drew

MMA, Fitness & Marketing enthusiast from North Wales, UK. A Stoic Hippy with no hair. Not to boast but - 1st Class Degree in Sports Science from Loughborough, MSc in Nutrition from the University of Liverpool. 20 years experience of weight & fitness training.
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