South Dublin Branch Hands On

Trees in Ireland Ireland has one of the best climates in Europe for tree growth, yet only 7% of our land is forested compared with an average of 20% across Europe. Broad-leafed woodlands which are considered more beneficial for birds and other wildlife account for just 0.5% of our land cover. Beech (top) and Hornbeam at Killegar, Co Leitrim. Trees and Birds Trees are important for many reasons besides their economic usefulness. They provide beautiful and varied landscapes, shelter from harsh weather and improved air quality. Trees help to prevent flooding, keep the soil healthy and curb soil erosion.They provide many and varied habitats for birds and other wildlife, the nest sites and song posts provided being of particular importance to birds. Directly or indirectly trees also offer food for birds. As the longest living organisms in the world, trees are primary producers, their leaves acting like a factory. They behave like solar panels, absorbing the sun's energy and using it to convert CO2 from the atmosphere and water into glucose (food). This process is called photosynthesis and is used by all green plants to produce food. This food then becomes the basis of other food chains. Trees require a variety of age structures and species for a woodland eco-system to work. Seeds, saplings, standards, mature, over-mature and dead trees supply valuable food for birds, as well as the habitat which they need to survive. Birds obtain food from trees directly in various ways: Bullfinches feed on buds; winter flocks of Chaffinches and Bramblings thrive on beech nuts; Jays hoard acorns in Autumn; pine and alder cones sustain Siskins. Redpolls and Crossbills. Food is also available indirectly from the insects which live in the trees. The Treecreepre picks insects out of cracks in the bark. Masses of caterpillars which feed on oak leaves in turn provide vital food for Great Tits and Blue Tits feeding their young in May and June. One in every two insect eating species depends on woodlands for its existance. Ivy is a valuable plant in woodlands and small tree covered areas. It gives nesting and roosting shelter for birds and also provides berries in late winter for Blackbirds and Thrushes. In normal circumstances ivy should have little or no effect on a healty tree. Resident birds enjoy the benefits of trees all the year round. Their numbers are increased in summer with migrant birds like Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and even the rare Redstart which nest here to take acvantage of the abundant food supply in the woodlands. These are replaced in the winter months by Fieldfares, Redwings and, sometimes, by spectacular Waxwings, all of whom are escaping colder conditions in Northern Europe. Trees Suitable for Wilflife Native Trees Oak Outstanding wildlife valiue. Richest insect tree with many associated mammals, plants and birds. Alder Rich in insects on foliage. Seeds are important food source for small birds like Siskin. Produce long, hanging catkins in early spring. Suitable for damp or wet sites. Alder Birch Foliage rich in insects, seeds eaten by small birds. Best on well drained sites. Blackthorn Very early flowers provide food for insects, especially bees. Excellent nesting cover for birds such as Chaffinch and Long-tailed Tits. Birds take the berries (sloes) only after the first frosts have softened them. Wild Cherry Blooms attract bees, fruit eaten by birds. Crab Apple Large variety of associated insects, fruit taken by birds, especially Thrushes. Will flower & fruit better if not pruned. Hawthorn Excellent for wildlife, flowers attract bees, many insects on leaves, berries (haws)eaten by birds. Fast growing, on all but very acid or wet soils, and is tolerant of air pollution. It flowers and fruits only on old growth, so best trimmed on alternate years. Hazel Slow growing, it supports a good variety of insects and produces nuts in Aug-Sept. Best in well-drained, limestone areas. Rowan/Mountain Ash Good for wildlife, insects on flowers, birds take berries especially Blackbirds & Thrushes. Scots Pine Best conifer for wildlife. Birds take seeds. Owls use for nest sites. Tall with shallow roots, so keep away from buildings. Yew Slow growing and shade tolerant evergreen. The female trees have sticky red fruit taken by Thrushes. All parts of yew are poisonous to mammals. Not suitable for very acid soils. Non-native Trees Beech Mast (beech nuts) eaten by mammals and birds, especially Chaffinches. Beech Sycamore Rich in insects, nectar for bees. Seeds eaten by birds. Spruce Foliage attracts aphids, eaten by a limited range of birds; Goldcrest & Coal Tit. Cones can attract Crossbills. Larch Insects and birds feed on foliage. Illustrations from "The Easy Way to Tree Recognition" by John Kilbracken Kingfisher Books, 1989 A woodland of mingled native trees is one of the richest ecosystems anywhere. The trees that are native to Ireland have been with us for anything up to 10,000 years, since the last Ice Age, and our birds and insects are specially adapted to them for food and shelter. The more ancient the wood, the more diverse and intricate their plant and animal life has become. Michael Viney, The Irish Times, 9 November 2002 Books .. Our Trees - a guide to growing Ireland's native trees from seeds and cuttings Published by "The People's Millenium Forests" 2000-05, very useful & free. Native Trees and Forests of Ireland by David Hickie, Gill & Macmillan, €30. - available discounted at Chapters, etc, March 2006. .. published 2001 .. and excellent on flowers, plants and trees .. Flora Hibernica by Jonathan Pilcher & Valerie Hall, The Collins Press, IR£25. Hints for Tree Planting Trees like company. Its better to plant a few together than one solitary tree. Pick a species suitable to your area and the site available. Check that the soil type, drainage and shelter available is suitable for the chosen species. Trees are dormant from November to March. Normally this is the best time for planting. Do not plant if the soil is waterlogged or frozen. Pick a broad-leaved bare-rooted tree, 2-3 years old, with many fibrous roots. One year old saplings can also be successful, if you've patience. With not a lot more patience you can grow them from seed; many are surprisingly rapid. Distorted saplings dug out from under the shade of mature trees (illegal, depending on circumstances?) will rapidly straighten out into fine trees once given their own space and light. Mix compost with the planting soil and tamp down in layers around the root. Do not cover the root collar (line at the bottom of the tree). Water to settle the soil. Water during dry spells for the first 2 years.