Willows can be found in many places in the wood often preferring damp locations, such as here, squeezed between Rowbourne Brook and Hut Glade. Willows (or Sallows as the broad-leafed UK species are often called) are important food plants for butterflies, in particular the Purple Emperor. Often they are coppiced and will regrow to substantial bushes, as below in Brook Glade (West).
Most of the willows in the wood are Goat Willows (Great Sallow) and another coppiced Goat Willow can be seen here where the Blue trail enters Justice Hill glade from the south:-
Unlike many willows, the Goat Willow has oval leaves with a point which curls over, as on the above tree:
The above willow was re-pollarded in October 2018:
However, other willows found in the wood seem to have longer leaves and may be the Grey Willow (Common Sallow) or hybrids of the two:-
This coppiced willow on Yellow Trail next to the camp boundary is different again and appears to be Eared Willow or a hybrid Eared/Goat:
The leaves are quite different to those shown above:-
Another view of the Sallows in Hut Glade.
Back to Trees