Bird cherry

Day #2 30 Days Wild

We planted a tree on the edge of the meadow in memory of my mum, Patricia Carlyle, who passed away in March. It stands close to George’s Pond, named after dad.

Planting a bird cherry.

A big old hole, well watered, topped with our own compost .. and our new tree begins its’ new life with us..

We’ve been committed to increasing the diversity of native trees and shrubs in the garden.

They bring big benefits to wildlife.

Rowan, silver birch, field maple, oak, holly, hawthorn, goat willow, wild cherry now flourish. Elder, yew, gelder rose, dog rose and honeysuckle are included in the understory.

Today we add native bird cherry (Prunus padus) hoping it will bring these benefits:

• Nectar & pollen for invertebrates.

• Flowers eaten by small mammals.

• Foliage is food for moth caterpillars and other invertebrates.

• Fruits for invertebrates, mammals and birds.

• Birds and mammals, including our local bat population, will thrive as a consequence.

  And a lovely memorial tree for us to look at too.