A Guide to British Trees

There are many different species of trees which can be classed as British Trees, whether these are native species or have just become naturalised over a long period of time. Some species are common sights around the UK but others are only seen in certain areas with the optimum conditions for the tree to grow in.

Each species has characteristics which mark them apart from other trees and this is why some timber is best for wood flooring yet others are simply decorative trees.

There is a lot of controversy over which trees should be classed as British so there is actually no definitive list but each of the species listed here can be described as a British tree species. Some of these are families with several trees under the same group but others are individual species.

British Tree Species

Oak Trees
Ash Trees
Walnut Trees
Pine Trees

The United Kingdom has a unique climate, unique topography and unique trees. In 2002, in honor of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the Tree Council identified the top 50 types of trees in the United Kingdom. 

The council selected trees that are native of the various parts of the UK. Trees such as the Lime Tree and Sweet Chestnut in Western England, the Big Belly Oak and Selbourne Yew in Southern England and the Cage Pollard and Sidney Oak from the London area, were among the trees selected.

·       Woodland Trust British Tree Guide

·       A British Trees and Shrubs Website

·       Listing of British Trees and Shrubs

·       Native Trees of Britain

Because England is a small, yet self sufficient country, the government is always concerned about abusing natural resources. The government and several environmental organizations are constantly monitoring the use and abuse of the tree population. 

The country needs to maintain a balance of using the natural resources properly, maintaining a tight control of potential waste of resources and ensuring that a renewing supply of trees are available for future generation. 

·       Environmental Organizations

·       Online Guide to Environmental Issues

·       Environmental Resources

·       Woodland Trust

The United Kingdom has a large number of trees that are unique to the country. The government and other environmental organizations are monitoring the use of the resources, to ensure that trees will remain in the country for centuries to come. Many other resources on British trees are available for review.

·       Guide to British Trees

·       Photographic Guide to British Trees

·       A Guide to Tree Identification

·       Tree Species Guide

·       Global Tree Campaign

·       Tree Conservation and Management

·       Tree Conservation and Restoration Initiatives

·       Principles of Ecological Restoration

·       British Trees and Shrubs

·       Resources of UK Trees

·       Wood Flooring

·       Study of British Trees

·       DNA Fingerprinting of British Trees