Silver Birch Tree

The Silver Birch is one of the most common native broad-leaved trees in Scotland and is widespread throughout the country. It is a fast growing tree distinguishable by its white bark on mature trees and can reach a height of 30 metres.

It is deciduous in nature with new leaves appearing in April and dropping about the end of October. The trees have deep roots and they are known to improve soils in the areas they have been planted by returning nutrients to the land when their leaves fall. They like light acid soils but are also able to grow in cold climates clinging to rocks and mountain sides.

The small leaves provide a light shade to the woodland floor which allows a variety of grasses and flowering plants to grow. A large and varied number of insects feed on the plants which will in turn attract birds to the areas around them.