Ash

The Ash tree is the fourth commonest tree species in Britain and is sometimes the main tree in a wood. The Ash loses its leaves in the autumn making it deciduous. It grows to an average of 15 to 30m in height.

Leaf
The leaf of an Ash is made up of six-twelve pairs of oval small leaves. Each small leaf has irregular teeth.  They are a green colour in the spring and summer turning pale yellow in the autumn.

Elm

The Elm tree has is native to Britain and is part of the Elm family. Its wood is used to build boats as it is water proof and strong. The Elm can grow up to a huge 30m and sheds its leaves in the autumn making it deciduous.

Leaf
The Elm leaf is an oval shape with toothed/serrated edges. To the touch they are scrubby on top but soft underneath. The leaves are often puckered or crumpled.

Oak

The English Oak tree is the most common tree in southern and central British woods. It is part of the beech family of trees and is deciduous meaning it loses its leaves in the autumn. The Oak tree produces acorns that fall from the tree in the autumn.

Leaf
The leaves of an oak have large deep lobes and smooth edges. There are two tiny lobes where the leaf joins the stalk. They are a dark green colour in spring and summer and turn orangey- brown in the autumn.

Sweet Chestnut

The Sweet Chestnut tree has been in Britain for over 2000 years. They are usually magnificent in size, with many having huge hollow trunks that several people can fit into at once. It is part of the beech family and is a deciduous tree.

Leaf
The leaves of the Sweet Chestnut are long and have around 20 pairs of straight parallel veins each ending in a saw shaped tooth at the edge. They are green in colour and are about 20cm in length.

Willow

The Willow is most commonly found in wetter areas so could be a popular tree to see by the river. The Goat Willow is the most popular willow tree and can grow almost anywhere. They have very strong huge roots that are visible on the ground.

Leaf

The leaves are typically long and thin but may also be oval shape and feel felt like to touch. The tip of the leaf is often bent to one side.