RECOGINISING BRITISH TREES IN WINTER

Being able to identify trees in winter is a rewarding bushcraft skill and vital for being able to select available natural resources. Without leaves, many trees look quite different, but there are still plenty of clues to help you recognise them. This guide will help you spot and identify common British trees during the colder months. Whether you are out walking, running, or leading a group, these tips will sharpen your resourcefulness and connection with nature.

Why It’s Important to Identify Trees in Winter

Trees are a vital part of the British landscape. Knowing how to identify them in winter is useful for many reasons in bushcraft:

• Improves survival skills: Identify and avoid toxic trees

• Improves bushcraft skills: Select the right wood for different tasks - fire, carving projects, lashings etc.

• Supports wildlife understanding: Understand symbiotic relationships with fungi and animals

• Enhances outdoor experiences: Recognising tree species adds interest to walks and hikes.

• Educational value: Great for schools and youth groups to learn about nature year-round.

  
  

Winter identification relies on features other than leaves. Bark, buds, twigs, and tree shape and growth habit become key clues. This knowledge can also help you appreciate the subtle beauty of trees when you are able to recognise their features even without leaves.

Close-up of Ash buds in winter

How to Identify Trees in Winter: Key Features to Look For

When leaves are gone, focus on these parts of the tree:

1. Bark

Bark texture and colour vary widely between species. For example:

• Oak bark is rough with deep ridges.

• Beech bark is smooth and grey.

• Silver birch has distinctive white bark that peels in thin layers.

  
  

Touching and observing bark closely can give you immediate clues, Bark also varies by age of the tree, eg young Ash is smooth and Green, mature Ash is fisured and a pale sandy colour.

2. Buds and Twigs

Buds are often overlooked but are very distinctive:

• Horse chestnut has large sticky buds.

• Ash buds are black and pointed.

• Hawthorn buds are small and clustered.

  
  

Look at the arrangement of buds on twigs too. Are they opposite or alternate? Are they close tot he twig or sticking out proudly?This helps narrow down the species.

3. Tree Shape and Branching Pattern

The overall shape of the tree and how branches grow can be a giveaway:

• Lime Twigs tend to bend at each bud giving a zig zag patern.

• Ash Mature crowns tend to be a bit funnel shaped like the branches are reaching verticaly to the sky

• Oak Mature crowns tend to be more rounded (broccoli shaped) and less funnel shaped.

• Hazel grows in straight rods.

• Spruces & Firs evergreen typically with a conical shape.

  
  

Standing back and observing the silhouette against the sky can help.

4. Remaining Fruits and Seeds

Some trees keep their fruits or seed pods through winter:

• Holly retains bright red berries.

• Sycamore has winged seeds called “helicopters” by children.

• Rowan holds onto clusters of orange-red berries.

  
  

These features are often colourful and easy to spot.

Practical Tips for Winter Tree Identification

Here are some actionable recommendations to improve your winter tree spotting skills:

• Carry a field guide or use an app: A good guide will have pictures of bark, buds, and twigs.

• Take photos: Capture bark, buds, and tree shape for later study.

• Use binoculars: This helps examine buds and catkins on taller trees.

• Visit the same spot regularly: Trees look different as winter progresses and the buds develop quickly.

• Join a guided walk or workshop: Learning in the field with experts will speed up your skills.

  
  

For more detailed information and practical uses, check out this winter tree identification day workshop.

Oak (Quercus robur) buds in Winter

Common British Trees to Recognise in Winter

Here are some common species you are likely to encounter and how to identify them:

Oak (Quercus robur)

• Bark: Deeply ridged and rough.

• Buds: Large, rounded, and irregularly clustered at twig tips.

• Shape: Broad, spreading crown.

• Other clues: Old oak trees often have leftover acorns on the ground.

  
  

Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

• Bark: Smooth, pale grey.

• Buds: Long, Brown, slender, and pointed.

• Shape: Oval crown with dense branching.

• Other clues: Beech nuts may be found under the tree.

  
  

Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

• Bark: White with black horizontal marks, peeling in thin layers.

• Buds: Small and pointed.

• Shape: Slender trunk with delicate branches.

• Other clues: Catkins may be visible in late winter.

  
  

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

• Bark: Grey and rough with small cracks.

• Buds: Small, on stalks, and reddish colour limke a swan vesta match.

• Shape: Dense, thorny branches.

• Other clues: Red berries often remain through winter.

  
  

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

• Bark: Orange-brown and flaky near the top.

• Needles: Evergreen, fused together in pairs.

• Shape: Tall and conical.

• Other clues: Pine cones may be present.

  
  

Using Winter Tree Identification in Outdoor Activities

Recognising trees in winter can enhance many outdoor activities:

• Bushcraft and survival training: Knowing which trees provide good firewood, useful and edible parts is essential.

• Nature walks and education: Teach groups about seasonal changes and tree biology.

• Photography and art: Capture the unique winter forms of trees.

• Wildlife watching: Identify habitats and food sources for birds and mammals. Less leaf cover makes observations easier!

  
  

By practising these skills, you develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and improve your confidence outdoors.

Developing Your Winter Tree Identification Skills

Start by focusing on a few common species and gradually expand your knowledge. Use these steps:

1. Observe closely: Spend time looking at bark, buds, and tree shape.

2. Take notes and photos: Record your observations.

3. Compare with guides: Match your findings with reliable resources.

4. Practice regularly: Visit woodlands and parks in winter.

5. Join groups or courses: Learn from experienced naturalists or bushcraft instructors.

   
   

With time, you will find it easier to identify trees even in the stark winter landscape. Whether for practical bushcraft skills or simply to enjoy the outdoors more fully, winter tree identification is a valuable skill to develop.

Explore more about a winter tree identification day workshop and how it can enhance your outdoor adventures at Polaris Bushcraft.