Plant a tree for wildlife
Order a native one before the end of the bare-root season
Trees and shrubs have so much value for wildlife, providing shelter to a huge range of species, as well as nectar-rich blossom and attractive berries. So choose a native British tree and add year-round colour and beauty to your garden. The bare-root season is coming to an end, so if you want the best value for money, get your order in quick!
● Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna) ) – supports more than 300 insects; pink and white flowers provide nectar for pollinators. Birds feast on ruby- oc k st er red haws in autumn. u Sh H/S: 4–8m (13-26ft).
● Crab apple ( Malus sylvestris) – nectar-rich spring blossom for insects; autumn fruits for birds and mammals. H: 8m (26ft), S: 4m (13ft).
● Holly ( Ilex aquifolium) – dense, prickly branches shelter birds; berries are a winter food source; holly blue butterfly food plant. Mammals and amphibians hibernate in dry leaf litter beneath. H: 10m (33ft), S: 4m (13ft).
● Spindlebush ( Euonymus europaeus) – moth caterpillars feed on leaves. Small summer flowers develop into eye-catching pink fruits with orange seeds that are eaten by birds and mammals. H: 3m (10ft), S: 2.5m (8ft).
● Alder buckthorn ( Frangula alnus) – brimstone butterfly food plant; greenish-white, star-shaped f lowers attract pollinators. Red berries appear in late summer and mature to black. H/S: 2.5m (8ft).