Field Report 1: Tree Identification

 

Hazel

Scientific name: Corylus avellana
Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Corylus

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
The Habitat, in which this Hazel tree was found, suggests that this particular tree had been purposely planted due to its position and how it appears to form part of a boundary line.

Guelder Rose

Scientific name: Viburnum opulus
Family: Adoxaceae
Genus: Viburnum

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
This tree may have been planted due to its red berries being a valuable food source for numerous inspects and birds. It's position also suggests it was planted for ornamental reasons.

Spindle

Scientific name: Euonymous europaeus
Family: Celastraceae
Genus: Euonymous

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
The flowers of the Spindle tree are a prolific source of nectar and pollen for insects and provides a rich bio-diverse habitat. Due to the  area in which this tree was found suggest that it had been planted ornamentally, maybe due to its vibrant colours, (especially during the autumn).

Sycamore

Scientific name: Acer pseudoplatanus
Family: Sopindaceae
Genus: Acer

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
Introduced in the middle-ages, the Sycamore tree has now become a naturalised species. This tree is pollinated by the wind and by insects, therefore meaning it is easily disperesded. This sample tree appears to have been introduced to the area by one of these pollinating methods as its position within the location implies it was not planted.

Scots Pine

Scientific name: Pinus sylvestris
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Pinus

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
This native conifer is an evergreen,contributing to reasons why it could have been planted, so that its needles are lurid all year round. This conifer also formed a row of conifers, further implementing that it was specifically planted.

Common Holly

Scientific name: Ilex aquifolium
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Genus: Ilex

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
Holly trees are an important food source for insects, birds and mammals all year round. However, due to it being an evergreen it is immensely valuable during the winter, especially its glossy red berries (that can be heavily guarded by certain species of bird). I believe this tree to have been planted as an additional source of food for the wildlife within the area it was found in, as well as its ornamental influence as a result of it perpetual colour and growth.

Green Ash

Scientific name: Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Fraxinus

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
Ash is an air pollinator mainly due to its conspicuous winged fruit and can disperse easily. This contributes to its title of the third most common tree in Britain, and also a contributing factor to the suggestion that this tree was not specifically planted. Though it may not have been planted , the source of food and shelter it provides make it a valuable habitat for a number of organisms.

Common Hawthorn

Scientific name: Crataegus monogyna
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Crataegus

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
My impression is that this tree was not planted on purpose due to its intrusive position onto a footpath. Though this tree provides a rich habitat for wildlife, and can support more than 300 species of insects (Woodland Trust, No Date), this tree my have to be removed or re-located due to the interference it may have upon the footpath.

Elder

Scientific name: Sambucus nigra
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Sambucus

Date: 12th October 2015
Photographer: Emily Smith
Elder is a wide-spread, native tree. It can be discovered in a range of habitats including woodland, scrubs, hedgerows and wastelands. It is mainly distributed by animals, in particular rabbits where the seeds are distributed via their droppings. As there were copious signs of rabbit activity within the area, it can be heavily suggested that this Elder tree was not purposely planted, but allotted by the wildlife within the area.

Sweet Chestnut

Scientific name: Castanea sativa
Family: Fagaceae
Genus: Castanea

Though it is commonly found throughout the UK, Sweet Chestnut is not native to Britain. This, plus its presentation within the Askham Bryan College Grounds strongly implies that this tree has been planted for ornamental purposes. Though its main reason for being planted may have been decoratively, this tree provides an important source of nectar and pollen for insects, as well as providing an ideal habitat for squirrels.