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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Michael Quy

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

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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.

2 weeks ago

Keith

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

1 month 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.

1 month 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!

2 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.

2 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!

2 months ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

2 months ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

3 months ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

4 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

4 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

5 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

6 months ago

Blake Lewis

The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.... The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.

6 months ago

Jo

Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the ar... Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the area tidy. Work carried out: Removal of deadwood

8 months ago

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Good service all round, polite and efficient....

9 months ago

Declan McManus

Efficient, tidy and courteous service - I have used Artemis on a number of occasions and cannot think of any reason to change....

10 months ago

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Excellent service with polite considerate operators...

10 months ago

Anonymous

very professional, knowledgeable company. where able to provide advice and options as to needed to be done. Clean, tidy and polite...

10 months ago

John

Very professional We have used them a few times and would not go anywhere else...

10 months ago

Francis Emmanuel

This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with ... This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with what was suitable, scheduling of the work, the tree work itself, the disposal of the felled tree and invoicing. Very pleasant, smart, tidy and courteous.

10 months ago