Welcome to the English Oak Tree
Family Activity
- The oak tree is known to be the most important & special species of tree in Britain! Why do you think that is? Think about it as a home for insects, birds, plants, mammals, fungi, lichen.
- Stand by the trunk & look up under the branches (not if it’s very windy) – it’s a very beautiful tree.
- How many species do you think might live in or use this oak tree? Oak trees support more species than any other tree in the UK – up to 2,300 organisms (that’s plants, insects, mammals etc) in just one tree! Amazing!!
- Can you think of 10 animals & insects or plants & fungi which could be living in this special tree?
- Feel the bark with your hand – is it rough or smooth? Do the fissures (lines) go vertically or horizontally or both?
- Does the bark pattern remind you of the skin of a scary & scaly reptile with lots of teeth?
Photographs © Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project.