HAPPY NEW YEAR
Trees are more than just majestic elements of the natural world, they’re storytellers, deeply rooted in history, ecology and folklore. Let’s explore a few of Doddington’s notable species…
The ‘King of Trees’. Our most common tree and perhaps also most valuable. Historically revered by many cultures and known as the ‘Tree of Life’. They can live for 1000 years and have long been associated with strength and courage. Not only deeply rooted in our cultural heritage, they are also a keystone species in our natural environment – the ‘King of Biodiversity’ and known to support more than 2000 species of birds, mammals, invertebrates, fungi and lichens.
The ‘Fairy Tree’. This small gnarly tree, now mostly of the hedgerows, was once held in the highest regard. In folklore, it was thought to be the home of powerful spirits and so required respect. In some places, you will still see solitary hawthorn left undisturbed in the middle of fields by farmers for fear of upsetting them. Also known as the ‘May Tree’, it is associated with May Day celebrations and, before that, the pagan festival of Beltane, when its white flowers signalled the start of summer.
The ‘Tree of Knowledge’. The humble Hazel is a significant tree both culturally and ecologically. A pioneer species that arrived early after the Ice Age, along with Birch, preparing the ground for other species such as the Oak. Prized both as a food source and a versatile building material by the ancients, in Celtic mythology, it is considered a magical tree and associated with wisdom. The ancient technique of coppicing is still practised today to produce Hazel rods, a practice which results in the creation of a rich habitat for wildlife.
‘Queen of the Woods’. Beech woodlands, with their soaring trunks and domed crowns, have been described as ‘Nature’s Cathedrals’. Often associated with Bluebells, Beech cast a heavy shade that creates a niche habitat for rare plant species such as Orchids and Helleborines. Recognisable in winter by their distinctive cigar-shaped buds and smooth grey bark – which has long attracted graffiti artists! Its edible leaves and nuts once made it a valued forage plant.
Our rarest native tree. Now an endangered species, it was once a valued timber tree and a common sight in our landscape, featuring in John Constable’s famous painting The Hay Wain. In the last few hundred years, it has suffered a massive decline, principally because its preferred habitat of floodplains and ditches has been systematically drained for agriculture. With just 7000 estimated to be left in the UK, conservation efforts are underway to save this ecologically important tree.
A Word from Guy Petheram
“As a garden designer for more than 15 years I have, above all, developed a passion for plants and in some ways increasingly see myself as a ‘plant advocate’. My eyes have been opened to their many qualities, not just the exquisite beauty of many, but also their fascinating characters and survival strategies, and their central role both ecologically and to our cultural heritage. Of all the plants, trees are perhaps the most powerful presence in our landscape, captivating and intriguing in equal measure, and it is this appreciation that I love to share.”
If you’ve been inspired by these remarkable trees, why not join us for one of our tree workshops? You’ll learn identification skills, and along the way, you’ll uncover some of the natural and cultural histories associated with different trees.
Guy also runs a range of Garden Courses at Doddington: View Offerings
