Juicy elderberries tempt birds

Research has shown that more species of bird gobble up elderberries than any other fruit native to the UK. Elder trees grow across the country and can reach 15 metres high. Elders also grow as shrubs and hedges. The leaves of elders grow in clusters of five to seven oval leaflets, with a finely toothed edge. These have a bad smell when crushed. By this time of year, the lacy white flowers that bloomed in summer have been pollinated by insects and turned into shiny purple-black berries. These sour snacks are loved by birds ranging from wood pigeons to thrushes. Elders were once thought to have magical powers. Planting one by a house was believed to keep the devil away – but burning one made the devil appear.…

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The Week Junior (UK) (Digital) - 1 Issue, 456

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