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Trees woods and wildlife
Blackthorn
Early to blossom, blackthorn trees have clouds of snow-white flowers in early spring. They’re best known for their rich, inky, dark fruits used to make a favourite wintry tipple – sloe gin.
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Visiting woods
Nature's Calendar
Help monitor the effects of climate change on wildlife near you. Your records contribute to a growing body of evidence on global warming.
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Visiting woods
College Wood
Steeped in rich history, this enchanting ancient woodland dates back at least 600 years and once belonged to King Henry VIII.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Dog’s mercury
A poisonous coloniser of ancient woodland, dog’s mercury is quick to sweep over the wood floor, sometimes outcompeting more delicate ancient woodland species.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Hop
A twining hedgerow climber with a boozy use, hop has been used in the beer-making industry for centuries. Look out for it across the UK.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Lesser celandine
Charming and cheerful, the star-shaped flowers of the lesser celandine brighten up the woodland floor. Look out for their friendly yellow flowers on path edges in early spring.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Meadowsweet
Sweet by name, sweet by nature. Meadowsweet might not be to everyone’s taste, but you’re unlikely to mistake the sickly sweet and frothy flower in damp woodland and bubbling out of damp ditches.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Traveller's joy
Also known as old man’s beard, this woody member of the buttercup family is often seen scrambling over hedgerows.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Barnacle lichen
Looking like little barnacles growing on tree trunks, get to know barnacle lichen which you'll find on the bark of living trees in ancient wood.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Beechwood sickener
Toxic, brittle, red-capped. Beechwood sickener is only found in beech woodland and help beech trees take up nutrients from the soil.