Nature Trail - Board 2

There are a mix of shrubs in this area which provide shelter and berries for wildlife. This area is a popular nesting site for blackbirds – so we are particularly sensitive when trimming plants here to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Red Squirrel

Once abundant across Britain, the charming red squirrel is now a rare sight. Nearby Cumbria is one of the lucky few places where red squirrels still thrive – but while they are very unusual to see, they have been spotted at Moss Wood! Look for them in woodland, where they leave telltale signs like half-eaten hazelnut shells and stripped pine cones. Keep your eyes peeled for a flash of rusty fur as they scamper up tree trunks, or build their twiggy nests, called dreys, high in the branches. However, you are much more likely to see the grey squirrel – an invasive species that originated in America and is helping to make the poor red squirrels rarer and rarer to see.

Wild Cherry

A beautiful native tree of Lancashire, the Wild Cherry graces our woodlands and hedgerows. In spring, its branches burst forth with fragrant white blossoms buzzing with pollinators. By autumn, small black cherries replace the flowers, a bitter treat for birds but not for us! Look for the Wild Cherry’s smooth bark and oval leaves with their finely toothed edges. It thrives in wetter areas, especially in upland regions.

Mountain Ash

While not as plentiful as in other parts of Britain, the Mountain Ash (or Rowan) graces parts of Lancashire’s landscape. This hardy tree thrives in exposed upland areas and along woodland edges. Look for its clusters of creamy-white flowers in spring, followed by vibrant red berries in autumn – a favorite treat for birds. The Mountain Ash’s ash-like leaves and striking berries provide a splash of colour throughout the year, making it a valuable part of Lancashire’s natural heritage.

Oak

From the mighty Caton Oak, rumoured to date back to the Druids, to the iconic Allerton Oak in Liverpool, these ancient giants dot Lancashire’s landscape. Oaks have long held significance across England: Their sturdy branches provided timber for homes and ships, while acorns fed livestock and represented new beginnings. They are home to literally thousands of other organisms such as insects and as such are a vital part of our ecosystem. The tree here was moved by the playground in around 2009 as a sapling, after we found it growing amongst a group of conifer hedges.