Category: Local Info

Hawthorn is the harbinger of summer and is also known as the May tree.

When the leaves flutter in the breeze the undersides catch the sunlight.

It was planted beside houses as a protection against witches. Lookout for flocks of waxwings enjoying the berries during cold snaps in winter.

Grey poplars are a hybrid between White Poplar and Aspen and grow impressively large.

During the winter Common Alder seeds are a favourite food for visiting and resident Siskins and Lesser Redpolls.

Nuts were an important source of protein until the 20th century and in Surrey, September 14th was traditionally the day for the harvest.

“Loveliest of tree, the cherry now is hung with bloom along the bough”

Birds, and mammals such as mice and squirrels, enjoy the yellow/pink/red fruit.

In the past Ash trees were coppiced – by cutting them down to the base they produce multiple stems that were used as hop poles.