Downs in snow (copyright Jill Parsons)

Family Activity

Welcome to the Bird Cherry Tree

Why do you think it’s called the bird cherry?

Can you see how its branches look like an umbrella?

Imagine the raindrops falling on this leafy umbrella – trace the path of the raindrop from when it lands on a leaf. Which way does it go?

Feel the trunk of the bird cherry – which way do the lines go? Vertically or horizontally? These are the lenticels or breathing pores. Practice breathing like a tree.

Photographs © Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project.