Henley Tree Trails

The trees that line Market Place are known for their resistance to pollution in addition to their beautiful colours, leaves and blossom.

Ornamental Callery pear tree (Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer')

– ‘Ornamental’ pear trees are not grown for their fruits which are inedible.

– This 'Chanticleer' cultivar was bred in America in the 1950s. Cultivar, meaning that it is a cultivated variety selected for desirable characteristics.

– One of the 'Chanticleer' cultivar's notable qualities is its ability to thrive in urban environments, as it is tolerant of air pollution, compacted soils and other challenging conditions. These qualities have made it a popular choice for street planting.

– These trees have striking white blossom in the Spring, and bright-red leaves in the Autumn. Apparently it is named ‘Chanticleer’ after the cockerel captured by the fox in The Nun’s Priest’s Tale by Geoffery Chaucer, part of The Canterbury Tales. The tree’s beauty was linked to the famous singing rooster.

More details here.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/89839/pyrus-calleryana-chanticleer/details

Walk up West Street behind the Town Hall, you will see 4 pollarded large-leaved limes (Tilia platyphyllos). Continue passing The Rowbarge pub to the public garden at the top of the road where it meets Hop Gardens.

– Norway maple (Acer platanoides)

– This Norway maple was planted here by the Henley Society in XX

– Norway maples produce distinctive winged ‘helicopter’ seeds. These are wide with nearly horizontal wings that help distinguish them from other maples

– You can tap a Norway maple for syrup—but its sap is much less sugary than a sugar maples’, so it's rarely used.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/norway-maple/

As you walk down Gravel Hill you can see the majestic trees behind the brick and flint wall opposite, the tallest of the group are the redwoods. The other trees infront include – from left to right – a copper beech (Fagus sylvatics f.purpurea), 3 pollarded limes (Tilia x europaea), a yew (Taxus baccata). Behind you can see – left to right – the giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and the coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens).

– Giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum) … also known as Wellingtonia.

– Coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

– Redwoods are some of the oldest trees in the world and can live for over 2,000 years

– Redwoods spread their roots wide rather than deep – intertwining with neighbouring roots. Their thick, spongy, tannin-rich bark can be up to 30cm thick which helps protect them from fire, insects and disease.

– Coastal redwoods are the tallest trees in the world. The tallest tree standing at 116metres (taller than Big Ben!) can be found in Northern California.

More details about the giant redwood here, and the coastal redwood here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/giant-sequoia/

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/coast-redwood/

Cross carefully over Gravel Hill to go through the archway towards Milton Close, turn right up Milton Close where you’ll see a group of silver birch.

– Silver birch (Betula pendula)

– Notice the smooth silvery white bark which sheds layers like tissue paper. With age, its bark develops dark, diamond-shaped fissures.

– A whopping 300 insect species use silver birch for food and shelter. More details here. (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2023/05/best-trees-for-birds-and-other-wildlife/)

– The small, diamond-shaped leaves have toothed edges, and the tree's light branches and leaves flutter constantly, even in a gentle breeze.

More info here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/silver-birch/

– Red horse chestnut (Aesculus x carnea)

– The red horse chestnut is a hybrid (cross-pollination of two different species) of the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), a large, long-lived tree with white flowers, and the red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), a smaller tree with red flowers.

– The red horse chestnut produces upright clusters of pinkish-red flowers from May to June, and is generally smaller, compared to the horse chestnut which is larger with white flowers. The red horse chestnut has smaller, less spiny conkers and leaves that are often more crumpled in appearance.

– Red horse chestnut tree may benefit from hybrid vigour. They can grow more vigorously, show improved disease resistance and adapt well to a range of growing conditions.

Turn left to walk down Deanfield Avenue with Henley College on your left. Behind the beech hedge are some large and small leafed Limes.

More details here.

– Lime (Tilia species)

– Lime (Tilia) trees can also be referred to as Linden trees and there are several varieties of the Tilia species– this is how you can spot the difference – if you can reach the leaves! More details here. https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/lime-trees/

– Their heart-shaped leaves are a popular food for moth caterpillars.

– Their pale, fine-grained timber has long been used to make carvings and parts of musical instruments, including soundboards and components of pianos and stringed instruments.

Look across the road. In the front garden of the house on the corner of 33-47 Deanfield Avenue you’ll see the Indian bean tree.

– Indian bean tree (Catalpa bignonioides)

– Look out for its large, heart-shaped leaves, showy white flowers with purple and yellow markings, and long, slender seed pods that resemble beans!

More details here.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/93435/catalpa-bignonioides-aurea/details

Continue down Deanfield Avenue, cross Greys Rd and walk along Church Street towards Trinity Church. The large tree that dominates as you approach is a copper beech.

A) Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea)

– Copper beech is a purple-leaved form of the common beech. One of its most distinctive features is its rich purple-copper foliage. It leaves contain special natural pigments (anthocyanins) that give the tree its unique colour.

– Its oval leaves are edged with fine teeth and covered with silky hairs when young.

– Notice its smooth, silvery-grey bark, and look out for beech nuts (known as mast) from around September to November.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/copper-beech/

As you enter the churchyard, you will see the 3 rowan to your right, and the whitebeam infront of you as you walk towards the Church.

B) Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) … also known as mountain ash (particularly in the US)

C) Whitebeam (Sorbus aria).

– Both belong to the genus Sorbus in the rose family (Rosaceae).

– Both are valuable wildlife trees, providing food and habitat for many species.

– In spring, they produce clusters of small white flowers.

– In autumn, they brighten the landscape with berries: whitebeam with orange-red fruit and rowan with vivid red-orange berries—a feast for birds. The name aucuparia reflects the tree's historic association with bird-catching.

– Their leaves make them easy to tell apart: whitebeam has single, broad oval leaves with a silvery-white underside, while rowan has many smaller, toothed leaflets arranged along each leaf stalk.

More details about the rowan here, and the whitebeam here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/rowan/

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/whitebeam/

Pass the walnut tree in the corner on the right, next to the wall of the churchyard.

– English walnut (Juglans regia)

– Walnuts fall from the tree in the autumn. These nuts are a valuable food source for wildlife and are also enjoyed by people. Walnuts are nutrient-rich, containing healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/walnut/

The school grounds were once part of the Normanstead Estate, and the large trees originate from then. The trees at the front of the school grounds nearest the path include lime (Tilia platyphyllos) and 4 impressive Corsican pines (Pinus nigra)

Corsican pines (Pinus nigra)

– Corsican pine is a variety of black pine native to Corsica and other parts of southern Europe. Corsican pines can tolerate warmer, drier conditions and may be a useful tree for future climates.

– This tall evergreen has a straight trunk and widely spreading, horizontal branches.

– Its long, dark green needles grow in pairs and have a distinctive twist.

– Mature bark is flaky, with deep cracks or fissures that create a pattern of rough, scaly plates. As the tree ages, the bark becomes dark grey to silvery-grey in colour.

– Pines like these were valued for shipbuilding and masts by ancient Mediterranean peoples, including the Phoenicians, over 2,000 years ago.

More details about distinguishing different types of pines here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/pine-leaves/

As you walk down Norman Avenue, on the left is a line of plane trees. The last tree in the line has not been pollarded—a type of pruning used to control the size and shape of trees, especially where they grow close to buildings—so you can see how tall they could become. On your right is a line of lime trees.

– London plane (Platanus x hispanica)

– The London plane is a popular urban tree because it tolerates pollution, compacted soils and regular pruning.

– Its fruits hang in distinctive round, bristly clusters, often seen dangling from the branches.

– Plane trees have a recognisable camouflage-like bark pattern – a patchwork of green, white, cream and grey colours. Their outer bark flakes away, helping the tree shed accumulated dust and pollutants while revealing fresh layers beneath.

– Look out for many more plane trees in the Kings Road carpark!

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/london-plane/

– Lime (Tilia x europaea)

– Common lime (Tilia x europaea) has tufts of white hairs at the end of twigs, whereas in small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) these are rusty red. Large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos) has hairs all over the underside.

– Common lime is a hybrid and is rare in the wild in the UK.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/common-lime/

Turn left onto the Reading Road.

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) … also known as ‘the love tree’

– This tree is a member of the pea family (Fabaceae), and it brings early spring colour, often flowering before its leaves appear.

– In spring, its bare branches are covered with pea-like magenta-pink flowers. These are followed by long, flat, hanging seed pods that ripen from green to brown.

– Its distinctive heart-shaped leaves turn yellow before falling in autumn.

– Historically, the Judas tree has also been associated with traditional uses, including reports of its petals being used in cosmetics in some cultures.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/judas-tree/

Continue walking towards the centre of Henley and turn right at the traffic lights down Friday Street walking towards the river.

– Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

– Ash trees lose their leaves late in autumn, often staying green longer than many other native trees. There leaves are compound, made up of several leaflets arranged along a single stem.

– Their twigs have distinctive black, velvety leaf buds arranged opposite each other, making ash easier to identify in winter. Their winged fruits, known as keys, are another useful identification feature.

– Ash wood is strong, tough and flexible—ideal for cricket bats, tools, handles and traditional bows.

– In the UK, ash trees are under serious threat from ash dieback disease.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/ash/

– Crab apple (Malus sylvestris)

– These are small-medium size trees which produce miniature, tart apples usually measuring less than 4cm in diameter.

– Their bark can become rough and cracked with age, and wild varieties can develop sharp thorns on their gnarled and twisted twigs.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/crab-apple/

Continue down Friday Street and turn left along the river. You will see a selection of trees on the bank opposite such as weeping willow (Salix babylonica) and Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘italica). You will see 4 more Mountain Ash by the road near the river as you approach the Angel on the Bridge pub. Turn left into Hart Street heading away from the bridge. Enter St Mary’s Churchyard on your right.

Spot the Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodar) on the left, Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) on the right.

– Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara)

– Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica)

– Deodar cedar is Himalayan evergreen with drooping branches; drought-resistant and long-lived growing 40–50m tall. ‘Deodar’ means “wood of the gods” in Sanskrit

– Atlas cedar is a North African evergreen with blue-green needles and stiffer upright branches, it is also drought resistant

More details about distinguishing these different types of cedars here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/cedars/

– Yew (Taxus baccata)

– Yew trees are one of northern Europe’s longest-living evergreen trees. Some ancient specimens are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

– Yews are often found in historic churchyards, where their evergreen foliage has long symbolised endurance, renewal and remembrance, and its poisonous foliage may have been used to deter livestock.

– Yew is a conifer with dark green needles, but has bright red arils instead of cones/

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/yew/

Continue down Hart Street, heading away from the river, towards the Market Place.

Maidenhair trees (Ginkgo biloba)

– Known as a 'living fossil', the maidenhair tree is the last surviving member of a tree lineage that dates back around 270 million years—long before the dinosaurs. It is renowned for its remarkable resilience.

– Ginkgo trees are dioecious, meaning each tree is either male or female. Only female trees produce seeds.

– When ripe, the fleshy outer coating of the female seeds gives off a strong smell, often compared to rancid butter or vomit. Don't worry—the trees in Market Place are male!

– The Latin name biloba refers to the tree's distinctive fan-shaped leaves, which are often divided into two lobes. Its common name, maidenhair tree, comes from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the maidenhair fern.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/maidenhair-tree-ginkgo/

What3Words: ///awoke.headlight.fades

This sycamore tree is the large tree situated on the opposite side of the road to the Pavilion.

– Sycamores were possibly introduced into the UK by the Romans, others suggest it was brought over by the Tudors.

– They can live for 400 years, and grow to 45metres tall

– It’s a member of the maple family, with a 5-lobed leaf.

– Its winged seeds are called samaras. Their ‘helicopters’ – unique, twisted wings make them spin as they fall slowing their descent and allowing the wind to carry them.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/sycamore/

What3Words: ///stooping.powering.forkful

These trees provide a line of shade in the middle of the toddler playground.

– Lime (Tilia) trees can also be referred to as Linden trees. There are many varieties of the Tilia species – try and spot the difference with the link below.

– This lime is also known as Crimean lime. Native to Crimea it was brought to the UK in the mid-1800s.

– It has large, heart-shaped, deep-green glossy leaves.

– Their pale, fine-grained timber has long been used to make carvings and parts of musical instruments, including soundboards and components of pianos and stringed instruments.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/lime-trees/

What3Words: ///wheels.crabmeat.shunts

There are several crab apple trees on either side of this pathway.

– These are small-medium size trees which produce miniature, tart apples usually measuring less than 4cm in diameter.

– Their bark can become rough and cracked with age, and wild varieties can develop sharp thorns on their gnarled and twisted twigs.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/crab-apple/

What3Words: ///composer.polar.helpers

This enormous Turkey oak sits in the corner of the toddler playground.

– Sometimes called a ‘pretender to the throne’ … it is impacting our native oak populations, less valuable to wildlife but much faster growing.

– It has narrow, elongated leaves with deeply cut lobes.

– It can be distinguished from native oaks by its ‘hairy’ acorn cups which look like they are covered in a dense coating of moss.

– It was introduced to the UK in the 1700s and it was thought to be a fast-growing source of timber. Infact the wood turned out to be too brittle.

– Turkey oak is host to the gall wasp Andricus quercuscalicis, whose larvae damage the acorns of native English oaks.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/turkey-oak/

What3Words: ///scared.fermented.driving

These silver birches grace the ‘roundabout’ triangle near the road entrance to Mill Meadows.

– Notice the smooth silvery white bark which sheds layers like tissue paper. With age, its bark develops dark, diamond-shaped fissures.

– A whopping 300 insect species use silver birch for food and shelter. More details here. (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2023/05/best-trees-for-birds-and-other-wildlife/)

– The small, diamond-shaped leaves have toothed edges, and the tree's light branches and leaves flutter constantly, even in a gentle breeze.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/silver-birch/

What3Words: ///crackled.marriage.linen

This recently planted sweet gum tree can be found in the corner of the Adventure playground.

– The sweet gum tree is native to North America where its sweet-smelling resin was historically chewed as gum.

– It has star-shaped leaves with 5 – 7 deep pointed lobes with fine teeth along the edges. They display a spectacular autumnal colour – including yellows, red and purples often at the same time.

– The spikey ball-like fruits that hang down from the trees stay on the tree as empty fruits throughout the winter making the tree easier to identify.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/sweet-gum-4/

What3Words: ///crops.zest.seatbelt

This golden Indian bean tree has recently been planted between the two large horse chestnut trees in the Adventure playground.

– Check out this tree’s abundant, lush large leaves that turn from golden-yellow to a yellowy-green.

– If you catch its summer-time show of flowers you can marvel at the upright bunches of white trumpet-shaped flowers with striking orange and purple splashes of colour.

– Sometimes called the ‘cigar tree’ due to the long slender bean-like seed pods that hang from the tree. These seed pods remain on the tree over the winter.

– If you’d like to hunt down another Indian bean tree head to Deanfield Avenue, opposite Henley College.

More details here.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/93435/catalpa-bignonioides-aurea/details

What3Words: ///stressed.shins.tungsten

The Adventure playground is dominated by two large horse chestnut trees, this one towards the river-side is a particularly beautiful tree.

– Horse chestnut trees display large upright clusters of white flowers that provide a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects, particularly bees.

– In the Autumn this tree will be littering the ground with mahogany-bright conkers in their spikey cases… maybe an opportunity for a game of ‘conkers’?

– Some people place conkers around their home … apparently they can deter spiders, but this hasn’t been proven, however if you place fresh conkers amongst your clothes as they dry-out they can emit a moth-repellent … give it a try?

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/horse-chestnut/

What3Words: ///notes.bidder.uncouth

This mulberry tree provides an opportunity for shade as you enjoy the sensory garden.

– Mulberry trees have often been grown for their edible fruit, with a musky tart sweetness it’s a delicious treat in the late summer, notice its twisted trunk with deep ridges.

– White mulberry leaves are the food source for the silk moth … but they don’t eat the leaves of this black mulberry tree.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/mulberries/

What3Words: ///splinters.kickers.spinning

This red horse-chestnut tree is located by the river just infront of the Obelisk. Compare it to the horse chestnut trees behind in the Adventure playground.

– The red horse-chestnut is a hybrid (cross-pollination of two different species) of the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), a large, long-lived tree with white flowers, and the red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), a smaller tree with red flowers.

– The red horse-chestnut produces upright clusters of pinkish-red flowers from May to June, and is generally smaller, compared to the horse chestnut which is larger with white flowers.

– The red horse-chestnut has smaller, less spiny conkers and leaves that are often more crumpled in appearance.

– Red horse-chestnut tree may benefit from hybrid vigour. They can grow more vigorously, show improved disease resistance and adapt well to a range of growing conditions.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/red-horse-chestnut/

What3Words: ///lecturing.farmer.systems

This crack willow tree is located by the river between the Bowls club and the Bandstand.

– Named a ‘crack’ willow because its side twigs, if bent, will snap off cleanly with a crack … please don’t try this however, but maybe notice the array of fallen twigs on the ground below. This crack willow tree has noticeable criss-crossed ridges in its bark.

– Crack willow leaves are popular with moth caterpillars, if you look up you may see evidence of their white webs in the branches.

– A crack willow tree is either male or female. The male catkins carry bright yellow pollen, the female catkins are greener and stay on the tree for longer.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/crack-willow/

What3Words: ///takeover.elated.mega

This striking silver birch tree is included as one of the 30 trees on the Thames Path National Trail. It’s located opposite an ‘island of alders’ in the middle of the river.
https://ticl.me/-trees-of-the-thames-path-national-trail/headlines/14040/view

(https://ticl.me/-trees-of-the-thames-path-national-trail/headlines/14040/view) – above link

– Notice the silver birch tree’s smooth silvery white bark which sheds layers like tissue paper. With age, its bark develops dark, diamond-shaped fissures.

– A whopping 300 insect species use silver birch for food and shelter.

– The small, diamond-shaped leaves have toothed edges, and the tree's light branches and leaves flutter constantly, even in a gentle breeze.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/silver-birch/

What3Words: ///scorched.steam.vibes

Sit on the grass under these shady branches or take a seat on a nearby bench to admire this weeping willow.

– Willow trees have extensive root systems enabling them to access underground water sources, thrive in waterlogged soil, and also help stabilise riverbanks.

– Weeping willow trees grow rapidly and are relatively short-lived, usually surviving less than 50years. The strength and flexibility of their wood means it has been traditionally woven for furniture, baskets and fencing.

– Willow bark contains a chemical compound called salicin, and ancient cultured chewed it for pain relief. Today’s aspiring is a synthetic version of the same compound.

This weeping willow – Salix x sepulcralis, is a cross between a European White Willow (Salix alba) and the Chinese Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica). More details about the various willow trees can be found here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/willows/

What3Words: ///slurred.bronzer.exporters

This rowan tree was recently planted by the Henley Quakers. It is at the far end of Mill Meadows near the hedgerow infront of the end of the car park.

– Rowan trees are also known as mountain ash trees (particularly in the United States). It was given this name as its leaves resemble those of an ash tree, but it is not related.

– In spring, they produce clusters of small white flowers, and in autumn their vivid red-orange berries, previously thought to help ward off evil, are a feast for birds.

More details here

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/rowan/

What3Words: ///mouths.renders.roadblock

There are 11 of these English oak trees in a row infront of Cold Bath Stream by the building at the far end of Mill Meadows car park.

– These ‘Fastigiate’ oaks are an upright columnar version of the standard English oak, ideal for planting in narrower spaces.

– An English oak tree can support over 2,300 different species, more life than any other native tree species in the UK; even its fallen autumnal leaves break down easily to form a rich leaf mould supporting creatures such as the stag beetle.

– Over the centuries, oak has been used to make furniture and barrels, its bark is used for leather tanning, and the large round growths found on oak tree trunks, called oak galls, were used in the production of ink.

– Notice our Henley Tree Trail logo … its based on an English oak leaf.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/english-oak/

What3Words: ///cringes.streamers.impact

This dawn redwood tree can be found near the hedgerow infront of the carpark road, the other side of the café from the Pavilion.

– Dawn redwoods unlike most conifers, are deciduous, and shed their bright green needles every autumn.

– They are very fast growing, up to 2-3 feet every year, so that can provide rapid shade and canopy cover

– Dawn redwoods are remarkably resilient. They can tolerate wet, waterlogged soils, as well as being able to cope with dry, compacted soils. They’re also able to thrive in polluted cities.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/dawn-redwood/

What3Words: ///hurricane.pounces.scenes

Several alders can be found in the swampy ground near the small inlet from the River Thames – Cold Bath stream.

– Most easily identified by the small brown ‘cones’ that dangle from the tree in summer and through the winter, these are the female round catkins that turn from green to brown.

– Alder bark is cracked into square-ish shaped plates and is often covered in lichen.

– Alder trees thrive in damp, marshy areas. Its roots help prevent soil erosion and also make a perfect nesting site for otters.

– Alder wood is durable when wet, so was historically used for the construction of boats, sluice gates and water pipes. When cut, the pale wood turns deep orange!

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/alder/

What3Words: ///mush.landowner.promotion

3 field maples can be found immediately infront of the ‘Tree Trail’ lectern sign, not far from the river bank.

– Field maples have the ‘maple’ shaped five-lobed leaves, but with a darker green colour in the summer, a much more rounded shaped leave and without any leaf ‘teeth’.

– Its winged seeds are called samaras (‘helicopter’ seeds). Field maple winged seeds often display tinges of pink and are set in a straight line (compared to Tree 9, the Norway maple where the wings are ‘just off’ horizontal).

– Its dense branches and leaves are a magnet for aphids, which draw ladybirds and hoverflies. The leaves are also a food source for numerous moth larvae, and its honeydew attracts hairstreak butterflies.

More details here. To distinguish this field maple from other maples this link here might be helpful.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/field-maple/

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/maple-tree-identification/

What3Words: ///mingles.sugar.battle

A stunning example of an English oak, situated next to the river path.

– An English oak tree can support over 2,300 different species, more life than any other native tree species in the UK; even its fallen autumnal leaves break down easily to form a rich leaf mould supporting creatures such as the stag beetle.

– Over the centuries, oak has been used to make furniture and barrels, its bark is used for leather tanning, and the large round growths found on oak tree trunks, called oak galls, were used in the production of ink.

– Notice our Henley Tree Trail logo … it’s based on an English oak leaf.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/english-oak/

What3Words: ///arching.vented.truckload

This ash tree is one of several ash trees seemingly holding up the river bank, on the river side of the path.

– Female winged fruits are called ‘keys’ and look like bunches of keys dangling down from the branches.

– Ash wood is one of the toughest hardwoods and absorbs shocks without splintering. It is often therefore used for handles eg spades, hammers, oars.

– Ash trees lose their leaves late in the autumn, often staying green longer than other trees, and their twigs have distinctive black velvety leaf buds.

– Ash dieback is Scientists have found evidence that young ash tree populations are evolving resistance to ash dieback.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/ash/

What3Words: ///fabric.stewing.mull

This is a large-ish cluster of crack willow trees.

– Named a ‘crack’ willow because its side twigs, if bent, will snap off cleanly with a crack … please don’t try this however, but maybe notice the array of fallen twigs on the ground below. This crack willow tree has noticeable criss-crossed ridges in its bark.

– Crack willow leaves are popular with moth caterpillars, if you look up you may see evidence of their white webs in the branches.

– A crack willow tree is either male or female. The male catkins carry bright yellow pollen, the female catkins are greener and stay on the tree for longer.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/crack-willow/

Planted amidst the old poplar stumps there is a range of newly planted trees here. Including:

Alder (Alnus glutinosa): for more details see Tree no. 1

Field maple (Acer campestre): for more details see Tree no. 2

Silver birch (Betula pendula): for more details see Tree no. 8

Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides): for more details see Tree no. 10

White poplar (Populus alba): Often the whitest tree on the landscape. It has two-tone leaves that flutter in the wind, they’re dark glossy green on top and snow-white underneath. Its buds are small and covered in white hairs. More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/white-poplar/

White willow (Salix alba): The largest of the willow trees with a grey-brown bark. These willow leaves are densely covered in silky white hairs underneath. For more details on how to distinguish a range of different willow trees see here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/white-willow/

What3Words: ///tweed.nipping.growth

There are two London plane trees here. One of which is adorned with ribbons – this is a Wishing tree. It was established in 2017 with the hope that ‘people will come and tie a ribbon and wish for the highest good. The spirit of the tree will make your dreams come true’.

– Plane trees have a recognisable camouflage-like bark pattern – a patchwork of green, white, cream and grey colours. Their outer bark flakes away, helping the tree shed accumulated dust and pollutants while revealing fresh layers beneath.

– Its fruits hang in distinctive round, bristly clusters, often seen dangling from the branches.

– The London plane is a popular urban tree because it tolerates pollution, compacted soils and regular pruning. Look out for lots of plane trees in the Kings Road carpark.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/london-plane/

What3Words: ///flattered.cheese.withdraws

A small group of silver birch trees just behind the ‘Wishing tree’ – adorned with ribbons.

– Notice the smooth silvery white bark which sheds layers like tissue paper. With age, its bark develops dark, diamond-shaped fissures.

– A whopping 300 insect species use silver birch for food and shelter. More details here. (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2023/05/best-trees-for-birds-and-other-wildlife/)

– The small, diamond-shaped leaves have toothed edges, and the tree's light branches and leaves flutter constantly, even in a gentle breeze.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/silver-birch/

What3Words: ///relished.formally.duty

This Norway maple tree stands by the London planes, beside the silver birches, and adjacent to the newly planted trees.

– This ‘Crimson king’ cultivar is distinguished from a standard Norway maple by its striking dark velvety burgundy-red / maroon leaves compared to the standard deep green leaves.

– Its winged seeds are called samaras (‘helicopter’ seeds). These are wide with nearly horizontal wings (but not completely – the Field Maple (Tree 2 has completely horizontal wings).

– The Norway maple tree oozes a milky sap from the leaf stalks when squeezed.

More details here. To distinguish this Norway maple from other maples this link here might be helpful.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/norway-maple/

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/maple-tree-identification/

What3Words: ///gong.makes.search

A line of trees along the boundary of Marsh Meadows (end by Mill Lane carpark). This is an intriguing mix of 8 dawn redwood trees, and 3 swamp cypress trees.

– Dawn redwoods unlike most conifers, are deciduous, and shed their bright green needles every autumn. (Swamp cypresses are also deciduous conifers).

– Dawn redwoods are remarkably resilient. They can tolerate wet, waterlogged soils, as well as being able to cope with dry, compacted soils. They’re also able to thrive in polluted cities.

– Dawn redwood and swamp cypress are remarkably similar in appearance. The main distinguishing feature is that dawn redwood needles grow directly across from each other, whilst swamp cypress needles grow alternately.

More details about the dawn redwood here, and about the swamp cypress here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/dawn-redwood/

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/swamp-cypress/

What3Words: ///dates.nicely.annotated

Four of these large trees can be found grouped together near the far back corner of Marsh Meadows (just along from the Mill Lane carpark entrance).

– This hybrid black poplar – Populus x canadensis (also called Populus x euramericana) is a cross between a native black poplar (Populus nigra) and the North American eastern cotton wood (Populus deltoides).

– Taller and straighter than the native black poplar it has shiny, green, heart-shaped leaves that are dark green above and pale below.

– This hybrid black poplar benefits from hybrid vigour. It can grow more vigorously and shows great disease resistance than the native black poplar.

More details here.

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/trees-and-shrubs/hybrid-black-poplar

What3Words: ///union.wrenching.life

This sweet gum tree stands alone near the back of Marsh Meadows (between the hybrid black poplars and the swamp cypress).

– The sweet gum tree is native to North America where its sweet-smelling resin was historically chewed as gum.

– It has star-shaped leaves with 5 – 7 deep pointed lobes with fine teeth along the edges. They display a spectacular autumnal colour – including yellows, red and purples often at the same time.

– The spikey ball-like fruits that hang down from the trees stay on the tree as empty fruits throughout the winter making the tree easier to identify.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/sweet-gum-4/

What3Words: ///overheard.gasping.truth

TThis swamp cypress tree stands alone near the back of Marsh Meadows (close to the sweet gum tree). With markedly low branches the base of the trunk isn’t really visible.

– Swamp cypress trees unlike most conifers, are deciduous. Their bright green needles turn a fiery red before dropping. (Dawn redwoods are also deciduous conifers).

– Swamp cypress trees can typically live for over 300 years and are often planted in formal gardens and parks.

– As its name would suggest it can thrive on wet or seasonally flooded soil. Its remarkably rot-resistant wood was known as ‘wood eternal’.

More details here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/swamp-cypress/

What3Words: ///warrior.toothpick.stung

This pin oak can be found in the front part of the scrubby undergrowth at the back of Marsh Meadows. It is behind the swamp cypress and the sweet gum tree.

– The pin oak is also called a swamp (Spanish swamp) oak. It thrives in deep moist soils and can cope well with winter waterlogging. It gets its common name ‘pin oak’ from its distinctely tough, short, slender pin-like twigs.

– The lower branches droop, the middle branches grow horizontally and the upper branches point upwards leading to the tree’s crown featuring a distinct pyramidal shape.

– Notice the pin oak leaf. It has deep cut, U-shaped gaps between the lobes, making for a very narrow, spikey-looking leaf.

We haven’t found a simple reputable link to provide with more details about this tree. It is native to North America and introduced to the UK in the 1800s. It is not referenced in the Tree Guide UK, nor in the Woodland Trust British trees index.

What3Words: ///success.safety.lawns

This hawthorn tree can be found at the end of the line of hedgerow (perpendicular to the river) that was recently planted by volunteers.

– The hawthorn is characterised by a dense, thorny foliage. As a shrub it is commonly found in farm hedgerows, and can colonise open ground and form scrub and thickets.

– It is commonly called a ‘May tree’. Its bloom is thought to signal spring turning to summer. The old saying ‘cast ne’er a clout ere May is out’ most likely refers to the opening of the hawthorn flowers rather than the end of the month.

– It has small-ish (6cm) leaves, and its white flowers develop as a cluster. Its deep red fruits are often called ‘haws’.

– A hawthorn can support hundreds of species – its leaves food for moth caterpillars, its flowers food for dormice, its haws food for birds … and its dense foliage makes fantastic nesting shelter for many species of birds.

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/hawthorn/

What3Words: ///ordeals.heads.renders

These three fastigiate poplars are highly noticeable on the skyline, best viewed initially from a distance. To see them close-up you need to take the footpath that runs along the back of Marsh Meadows.

– This ‘fastigiate’ poplar tree is a columnar cultivar of the rare native black poplar. It is ideal for planting in narrower spaces, or for use as a windbreak.

– It is visually very similar to the more common fastigiate Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’), but with a slightly broader crown than the ‘Italica’. The ‘Plantierensis’ cultivar has fine hairs on its young shoots.

– This ‘fastigiate’ poplar (Populus nigra ‘Plantierensis’) was developed to handle the cooler climate of northern Europe, where traditional fastigiate poplars (Populus nigra ‘Italica’) struggle to thrive.

We haven’t found a link to provide with more details of this exact tree. It mainly exhibits features of the black poplar, aside from its shape and its fine hairs on young shoots. More details about poplars here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/poplars/

What3Words: ///fortified.appendix.alarm

This large horse chestnut sits behind the reedbeds in the back corner of Marsh Meadows.

– Horse chestnut trees display large upright clusters of white flowers that provide a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects, particularly bees.

– In the Autumn this tree will be littering the ground with mahogany-bright conkers in their spikey cases… maybe an opportunity for a game of ‘conkers’?

– Some people place conkers around their home … apparently, they can deter spiders, but this hasn’t been proven; however if you place fresh conkers amongst your clothes as they dry-out they can emit a moth-repellent … give it a try?

More details here.

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/horse-chestnut/

What3Words: ///according.warm.influencing

This striking row of six weeping willows provides the backdrop to the reedbeds and marks the boundary line at the town centre side of Marsh Meadows.

– Willow trees have extensive root systems enabling them to access underground water sources, thrive in waterlogged soil, and also help stabilise riverbanks.

– Weeping willow trees grow rapidly and are relatively short-lived, usually surviving less than 50years. The strength and flexibility of their wood means it has been traditionally woven for furniture, baskets and fencing.

– Willow bark contains a chemical compound called salicin, and ancient cultured chewed it for pain relief. Today’s aspiring is a synthetic version of the same compound.

More details about the various willow trees can be found here.

https://www.treeguideuk.co.uk/willows/