Goat Willow (Salix caprea), a common native tree also known as Pussy Willow, grows vigorously alongside the ditch in the orchard and Field Corner W1 and near the stream at Downlee Lodge. Its catkins provide pollen and nectar for bees and other insects in early spring and the trees are usually busy with small birds feeding on insects.
The Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) was originally from China but this species has become naturalised in the UK and elsewhere. There are two near the entrance drive to Downlee Lodge. The one adjacent to the field weeps gracefully down to the ground in the drive but the lower branches have been grazed by sheep on the field side.
The Crack Willow (Salix fragilis) is native to the UK. There is a male Crack Willow by the stream at Downlee Lodge. Its large trunk has split and collapsed several times. Its male flowers, catkins, are noticeably different from those of the Goat Willow but they are also attractive to bees and other wildlife
Photographs of Willows
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Further Information
For further information on the species in this group, please click the links below:
Goat Willow Crack Willow Weeping Willow
