Trees and plants

Black Poplar

The elusive Black Poplar (Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia). This special tree was once a common sight but has become Britain’s most endangered native timber tree with only around 7,000 left in the country. The conditions required for reproduction from seed, are specific and uncommon, leaving the Black Poplar largely reliant upon planting from cuttings. UK Black Poplar population estimates fewer than 500 females which represent less than 1% of the total, so the sexual imbalance is obvious! Conversely, of the 350 individuals so far identified in the Cotswold Lakes, 60% are female, indicating that the Cotswold Lakes could be home to the most important population of this water-loving tree. DNA studies are ongoing as part of the Trust’s Black Poplar Project, so that we can propagate the most diverse variety of cuttings and further the conservation of the species. It grows best in boggy conditions, near ditches and floodplains making it right at home here in the Lakes. Their stature is impressive and imposing and you can spot fine examples at Cleveland Lakes and Whitefriars Lake.

English Oak

The English Oak (Quercus robur) isn’t a hugely common species in the Cotswold Lakes due to the lack of woodland, but they are an invaluable source of food and shelter for many species. Oaks support more life forms than any other type of tree; in the water park they are of particular importance for owls and bats, as well as many other birds, mammals, and insects.

Willow

An iconic silhouette frequently associated with water. There are many different types of willow growing in the Cotswold Lakes, including Goat Willow, Grey Willow, and Crack Willow. These trees are particularly important for early pollinators, as their catkins appear much earlier than other sources of nectar. The caterpillar of the rare Purple Emperor Butterfly use willows as their food source and although these are not commonly found in the Lakes currently, it could become an important habitat for them to expand into.

Silver Birch

The Silver Birch (Betula pendula) is one of the first species to colonise after quarry restoration and can be found around many of our sites; its distinctive white bark is easy to spot even during the winter months when it’s without its leaves. Silver Birch is particularly important for fungi and supports many species of bird such as Greenfinch, Siskin and woodpeckers. The Old Railway Line is a great place to spot Silver Birch.

Alder

Alder’s (Alnus glutinosa) natural habitat is moist ground near rivers, ponds and lakes and it thrives in damp, cool areas such as marshes, wet woodland and streams. Its wood gets stronger when soaked rather than rotting, making the Cotswold Lakes a perfect habitat for this tree. Its roots make an excellent resting site for Otters and its distinctive purple catkins provide food for Goldfinch and insects. Head to Neigh Bridge Country Park to find some outstanding Alder!

Ash
Despite the serious challenges that Ash trees have faced through the spread of ash dieback, they remain important for wildlife across all stages of its life. Its seeds are a food source for Bullfinches and other birds such as owls and woodpeckers, and Nuthatches use it for nesting. Although the number of dead or dying ash trees is increasing, they still play a vital role in supporting wildlife, providing deadwood for beetles and fungi as well as roosts for bats.

Common Hawthorn and Blackthorn
People often struggle to tell these two trees apart, despite their differences. Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a very familiar hedgerow staple whose blooms are the first to appear in spring. Its leaves are deeply lobed and its berries (haws) are dark red. It supports a huge range of wildlife; the haws are rich in antioxidants and are eaten by migrating birds, such as Redwing and Fieldfare, as well as small mammals. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) has oval shaped toothed leaves and produces dark blue sloes in the autumn. It is used by the Brown Hairstreak Butterfly, and many birds nest among the dense, thorny thickets, eating caterpillars and other insects from the leaves as well as the sloes in autumn. Both important trees can be found in abundance along the Old Railway Line.

Hazel

Hazel (Corylus avellana), is regularly spotted across areas of the Cotswold Lakes . Hazel is most commonly associated with coppicing, particularly in managed woodland. The Hazel in the water park however, is often left to its own devices, growing in the hedgerows and scrub areas. These scrub areas are particularly important for ground nesting birds such as Nightingale, Yellowhammer and Willow Warbler. Hazelnuts are food source for a wide variety of birds and small mammals and its pollen arrives nice and early for bees. See if you can spot some Hazel next time you go for a walk in the Lakes.

Crab Apple

The Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) fruit tree is the wild ancestor of our commercial apples. Crab apples thrive in moist soil and areas of scrub, making the water park a great home for them. It provides a food source for a variety of insects and animals; its leaves are feasted on by caterpillars, its early pollen and nectar is important for bees and the pretty coloured fruits are great food source for many mammals, such as voles, Foxes and Badgers, as well as birds such as Blackbirds and thrushes. The Old Railway Line and Cleveland Lakes are great places to see Crab Apple.