IDENTIFIER Ancient woodland indicators

Stumbled across blankets of bluebells? Spindle or spurge laurel? You may well be standing in the 2.5% of UK land classified as ancient woodland*. Our handy guide can help you tell the wood (and wood anemone) from the trees.

Wild garlic Find this in deciduous woodland, by sniffing out its garlicky smell. It's a favourite for butterflies and hoverf lies – and, of course, foragers, too. Wood anemone White flowers arrive early in spring, otherwise it takes its time, spreading via underground rhizomes less than two metres every 100 years. Tutsan Need some ancient healing? Get some tutsan tout de suite. Its name comes from French toutesain ('all heal') for its medicinal reputation. Bluebell Look for the deep blue of the British bluebell, rather than the paler Spanish variety, which was a Victorian garden escapee. Comprende? Wild strawberry Not only long established in woodlands, but in our homes, too – thanks to its appearance in William Morris' famous 1883 'Strawberry Thief ' pattern. Spindle This tree will be looking all-white very soon, with pale flowers on show in May and…

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The Simple Things (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2024

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