Blackthorn Prunus spinosa, also known as sloe, is a small deciduous tree native to the UK and most of Europe. Spiny and densely branched, with smooth dark brown bark, and twigs forming straight side shoots which develop into thorns. Blackthorn responds to hard cutting and be used to create dense hedges, which in turn form valuable nesting places.
Leaves are oval, slightly wrinkled, toothed, pointed at the tip and tapered at the base. White flowers appear on short stalks before the leaves in March and April, singularly or in pairs. Blackthorn provides a valuable early source of nectar and pollen for bees in spring. Its foliage is a food plant for the caterpillars of many moths, and the black and brown hairstreak butterflies. The small blue-black fruits are eaten later in the season by birds including blackcaps, which can be heard and seen in this location. (Adapted from Woodland Trust’s online guide to native trees www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/)
>> Retrace your steps and turn right down a path that leads past the left side of the pond. On the far bank, find