The Tree Year (1): Introducing the Larch

 

WELCOME | CROESO ... to my chosen tree

I have had a tree in mind for a few days, and had the chance to 'visit' it last weekend when we were out and about in Carmarthenshire in South Wales, UK. I have visited this tree many times, but have never studied it in any sense before. Allow me to introduce the LARCH. The pictures below show the trunk and the ivy that is growing up the tree.

This LARCH probably has tales to tell, and has sustained a few injuries over the years. However, although it looks fairly dead at the moment, Spring usually comes early to South Wales, so I am hoping that there will be signs of new life before long. The tree inhabits a fine landscape of oxbow lakes and castles (Dryslwyn, Dinefwr and Carreg Cennen). The river runs close by, and the wildlife is plentiful. The tree often has feeders hanging from it, and we have seen the following birds in the vicinity . . . so far:

• Bluetit
• Great Tit
• Great Spotted Woodpecker
• Starling
• Magpie
• Treecreeper

Treecreeper

Table for two at the bird feeder!

Last year's cones

• More about the LARCH 
• If you are in the UK, you may like to join in the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch this coming weekend . . . details here. 

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If you would like to join in with 'The Tree Year' project, please feel free to click on the orange tree badge in the column on the right of this page. I have another tree in mind, too, but meanwhile I look forward to finding out about some of the other 'chosen trees'.

• The Tree Year - my second post, when the woodpecker came to call ...