The first of our small blackthorn trees is blossoming in Crabtree Fields, adding to the variety of plants to support wildlife.

Blackthorn, also known as sloe, is a small deciduous tree native to the UK and most of Europe. Because it is early flowering it provides a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees.

“Its foliage is a food plant for the caterpillars of many moths, including the lackey, magpie, common emerald, small eggar, swallow-tailed and yellow-tailed. It is also used by the black and brown hairstreak butterflies,” says the Woodland Trust.

The Friends group have this winter planted a number of native deciduous and everygreen trees and shrubs, adding to the beauty and biodiversity of Crabtree Fields.