Tree Growth for Wildlife

Unfortunately, in the UK, species such as bats, butterflies, moths, hedgehogs, hares and sparrows are declining at an alarming rate. In fact, it has been reported that 15% of wildlife species in Great Britain – which equates to almost 1,200 – are under threat of extinction due to changes in the climate. 

With that in mind, we can all play a part in providing refuge for these diminishing species by managing our gardens in a way that attracts wildlife. Simply planting a tree can go a long way to helping the life cycle as it provides a reliable source of food and shelter, as well as being a place for wildlife to hibernate, nest and retreat from being hunted.

black bird in a tree

What type of tree is best to encourage wildlife?

When thinking of adding a tree to their garden, many property owners usually do so for aesthetic purposes, often overlooking the value a tree can bring to wildlife in a garden area. 

Here is a list of the most common types of trees and the benefits they can bring to wildlife: 

Wild Cherry:

Otherwise known as the ‘Prunus Avium’, the wild cherry tree is one of the earliest fruits to ripen, attracting birds which enjoy eating the fresh produce from the branches. Blossoming in the spring-time, the wild cherry also provides a source of nectar and pollen which attracts a whole host of insects, including moths, beetles and ladybirds. 

Crab Apple:

Much like wild cherry trees, the flowers on a crab apple tree provide early nectar and pollen for insects, such as bees, to devour. This isn’t limited to just insects – the fruit also provides food source for:

  • blackbirds
  • badgers
  • voles
  • mice

Holly:

Contrary to popular belief, a holly tree isn’t just for Christmas – a garden can benefit from it all year round. A variety of bird species choose to seek refuge in a holly tree, using its distinguishable sharp spikes on the leaves for protection. In fact, these leaves take several years to rot down, providing the perfect place for hedgehogs, toads, mice and much more to hibernate. 

Goat Willow:

Also known as the ‘Pussy Willow’ due to its furry paw-like blossoms, the leaves on a Goat Willow tree make it a popular source of food for insects, including moths and the majestic purple emperor butterfly.

Do bats live in trees?

bats in a tree

According to the Bat Conservation Trust, “around three quarters of British bat species are known to roost in trees.” When it comes to food, trees attract an abundance of insect species for bats to eat, including leafhoppers, beetles and flies. As discussed in this article, trees also provide a reliable source of shelter, with various gaps, holes and crevices for bats to roost in. 

As such, any trees with cavities, cracks or holes are suitable for bats, with the following being recognised as the most common:

  • Oak
  • Beech
  • Ash

Are bats legally protected in the UK?

As one of the main breeds in rapid decline in Britain, all bat species and their roosts are protected by UK and European laws to prevent the numbers dying out completely. Under such legislation, it is a criminal offence to:

  • Deliberately take, injure or kill a bat
  • Deliberately disturb a group of bats
  • Intentionally or recklessly disturb a bat in its roost

Who’s responsible for protecting bats during tree works?

Should you need to have tree works such as pruning, pollarding or crowning carried out at your property, it’s important to consider whether the tree could be a potential hotspot for bats. If this is the case, as the land owner it is your responsibility, along with the experts carrying out the work, to ensure that the bats have been taken into consideration before any action is taken. Having bats in the tree does not mean that work must cease, rather it’s imperative to get expert advice to ensure the work is carried out legally. 

 


If you require tree work – including felling, grinding and tree surveys – throughout Rickmansworth, Watford and the wider London area, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the award-winning team at Artemis Tree Services today! All work is carried out in line with legal requirements, and everything we cut is turned into biomass for an environmentally friendly solution. 

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Anonymous

From approval for the pruning to tidying up after they left, the team has been impeccably professional, pleasant and kind....

2 days ago

Anonymous

Excellent service. Punctual and extremely professional manner in which they carry out their work. Really happy with the work done . Would definitely use the company again.... Excellent service. Punctual and extremely professional manner in which they carry out their work. Really happy with the work done . Would definitely use the company again.

1 week ago

Terry

We have been using Artemis Tree Services for many years now and have just had our annual tree and shrub maintenance visit. Wonderful job as usual. The garden now looks great thanks to a very hard work... We have been using Artemis Tree Services for many years now and have just had our annual tree and shrub maintenance visit. Wonderful job as usual. The garden now looks great thanks to a very hard working and knowledgable team. Thanks again, see you next year.

1 week ago

Anonymous

Excellent service from start to finish. Clear quotes, no jargon, prompt responses to queries and arrived on time. A large tree was expertly removed and recycled. The very professional and pleasant tea... Excellent service from start to finish. Clear quotes, no jargon, prompt responses to queries and arrived on time. A large tree was expertly removed and recycled. The very professional and pleasant team even removed the leaves from the lawn. Thoroughly recommend! Very reasonable pricing also. No hidden extras.

3 weeks ago

David Lynn

The team arrived on time, carried out all the requested work and left our garden neat and tidy. The tree work was as planned , we are very pleased and would recommend the company with no hesitation.... The team arrived on time, carried out all the requested work and left our garden neat and tidy. The tree work was as planned , we are very pleased and would recommend the company with no hesitation.

1 month ago

Anonymous

Brilliant set up - prompt, efficient and cost friendly - professional and tidy working. Very pleased all round....

1 month ago

Anonymous

Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.... Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.

2 months ago

Vicki

Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.... Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.

3 months ago

Jill Lesley Sloley

The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spok... The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spoken to have also been friendly, helpful and efficient.

3 months ago

Maggie

This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, a... This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, and the team on the day were great and the work completed was to an exceptional standard, as was the clear up afterwards. A big thanks to Loise, Lewis, Mo and Marchin for your hard work on the day, and to Scott too who did the initial quotation. Well done boys and we are so pleased with the end result!

3 months ago

Anonymous

Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - k... Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - knew what they were doing and clearly communicated how the job was going and answered any questions we had during the work. They took their time to do the job well. Site left tidy with trees pruned and shaped as agreed. Artemis are expert and professional.

4 months ago

steve lynch

Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!... Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!

5 months ago

Anonymous

I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again... I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again

5 months ago

Ken And Joan Richardson

As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work ... As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work A big Thank you to the team ,

5 months ago

Michael Quy

A prompt professional team. I have used Artemis before and recommend them highly....

6 months ago

Gordon Trievnor

Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

6 months ago

Keith

Very efficient customer service. Did the job when they said they would. Met all our expectations. Would recommend....

7 months ago

Francis Xavier Emmanuel

This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

7 months ago

Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

8 months ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

8 months ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

8 months ago