Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) blossoms in Crabtree Fields

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.