Several varieties of Acer, can be seen on the Wildlife Site and in the area around Downlee Lodge.
Sycamore (Acer peudoplatanus) are the most obvious. A number of large Sycamore trees are present near the southern boundary of Field 3 and around Downlee Lodge and Bankhall Drive. Four of them have died in recent years due, we think, to honey fungus. Sycamore flowers provide a good source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects and the winged seeds are eaten by birds, including bullfinches.
The planting of hedgerows h1, h2, h3 included a number of Field Maple (Acer capestre). Information about Field Maple is included with that for other Hedgerow Trees and Bushes.
A group of three Acer trees (varieties unknown), also known as Maples. can be seen in a small field adjacent to Downlee Lodge. Like all trees planted in pastures, the lower branches have been grazed to a uniform level by sheep and cattle. Acer generally, and these in particular, have distinctive shaped leaves in vibrant colours that carpet the field in Autumn. Lichens grow on the trunk of the largest of these three trees and its leaves turn golden yellow in Autumn.
Several small Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum) in Downlee Lodge garden add striking red colours to the Autumn pallet.
Photographs of Acers
Click on the photograph for larger images and captions.
Further Information
For further information on the species in this group, please click the links below:
Sycamore Acer Japanese Maple
