Trees and Wildlife Benefits:
Having native trees in your garden is especially beneficial to our UK wildlife as they have adapted together to rely on these certain species. There are many benefits for wildlife to having a tree in your garden such as:
- Oak. These strong and iconic trees provide habitats for a wide range of insects, birds, and mammals. Oak supports 108 different types of fungi, 57 of which depend entirely on the tree, such as Oak Polypore fungi. Birds such as Acorn Woodpeckers, Jays, and Nuthatches all enjoy the acorns produced from this tree (and Squirrels!). The Oak Processionary Moths and Oak Gall Wasps both enjoy and are found around Oak trees.
- Beech. Beech trees have smooth, grey bark and provide dense shade. They also produce beechnuts, which are valued by lots of wildlife. Birds such as the Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, and Nuthatches all nest in beech trees. Mammals such as Squirrels, Roe Deer, Badgers, and Dormice all value the seeds and Beech nuts that this tree produces.
- Birch. Known for their white bark and delicate leaves, these are very fast-growing and their seeds are a good food source for wildlife. Crossbill and Lesser Redpoll both feed on birch seeds. The Common Pipistrelle bat may use crevices in the birch trunk. Also supports fungi such as Birch Polypore and Birch Mazegill.
- Ash. These are slender trees that are unfortunately facing a threat from ash dieback disease. Great Spotted Woodpeckers often make their nests in mature ash trees, and the Tawny Owl usually roost in ash trees. They also host insects such as the Ash Bud Moth, and the Green Hairstreak Butterfly.
- Willow. Willow trees usually thrive close to water and provide habitats for many insects, birds, and small mammals. Birds such as Willow Warblers and Common Chiffchaffs nest in willow trees, and Long-tailed Tits use the catkins as nesting material. It also hosts specific insects such as the Willow Emerald Damselfly and the Mourning Cloak Butterfly.
