Silver birch
(Betula pendula)
Solid and heavy, making it the ideal wood for furniture.
Growth and size
Mature height: 25m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Seeds are eaten by long-tailed tits, siskin, greenfinch and redpolls.
Food plant for more than 300 species of insect.
Soil and conditions
Prefers sandy or acidic soils.
Will grow in most conditions.
Rowan
(Sorbus aucuparia)
A tough wood that can be used in craftwork.
Growth and size
Mature height: 15m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Host plant for moth caterpillars such as the larger Welsh wave and autumn green carpet.
Berries are eaten by thrushes.
Soil and conditions
Grows in most soils.
Prefers light, well-drained and humus-rich conditions.
Wild cherry
(Prunus avium)
Used to make furniture and burns well as firewood. It produces a sweet scent when burnt.
Growth and size
Mature height: 25m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Early source of nectar and pollen for insects including bees.
Cherries are eaten by birds.
Soil and conditions
Grows best in full sun and fertile soil.
Won't tolerate waterlogged soil.
Best planted in a sheltered spot.
English oak
(Quercus robur)
Can produce extremely durable hardwood timber, ideal for flooring or fuel.
Growth and size
Mature height: 20-40m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Food plant of purple hairstreak butterflies.
Leaf mould supports fungi and invertebrates such as stag beetles.
Bats and birds such as pied flycatcher and marsh tit nest in holes and crevices.
Soil and conditions
Tolerates most well-drained soils.
Avoid waterlogged sites.
Field maple
(Acer campastre)
Traditionally used in wood-turning and carving. It is also commonly used for making musical instruments.
Growth and size
Mature height: 20m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Leaves are eaten by aphids, who attract predators including ladybirds, hoverflies and birds.
Food plant of several moths, including sycamore moth, mocha, maple pug, small yellow wave, the prominent and maple prominent.
Flowers are a source of nectar and pollen for bees.
Birds and small mammals eat the fruit.
Soil and conditions
Grows well on most sites, except particularly waterlogged soils.
Grey willow
(Salix cinerea)
Ideal for weaving baskets or decorative wreaths.
Growth and size
Mature height: 10m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Food plant of a number of moths, including sallow kitten, sallow clearwing, dusky clearwing and lunar hornet clearwing.
Food plant of the emperor butterfly.
Catkins are an early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects.
Birds feed on the caterpillars.
Soil and conditions
Grows in woodland and hedgerows.
Grows in damp areas, such as near canals, rivers and streams.