1. Sycamore
Acer pseudoplatanus
Pink-grey branches bridge heaven and earth. Flying machines crafted by fairy fingers fly north. Freya's flowers float like knives, as loving spoons are crafted by pocketknives. Hera speaks and sticky branches crack as roots seek out the underworld Demoniac.
Sycamore at Woodland Trust
4. Sweet Chestnut
Castanea sativa
Molten mountain grows tribute to Zeus, vitamin boost for stuffing the Christmas goose. Coals ablaze on market stall, sweet nutty treat for one and all. Spikey husk protects the treat, as nutty feast sweetens the porcine meat.
Sweet Chestnut at Woodland Trust
7. Box
Buxus sempervirens
Down the street walks a cortege of mourners, viewed from between the squat green corners. Turn the peg to tune the violin, cast the branches and let the service begin. Branches sink in waters deep, as mourners gather under chalk hill steep.
Box at Woodland Trust
2. Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
Bullfinch squat and abode of dormice, many have sheltered beneath the Venusian Tree of Life. Lichen branches and mossy bark, bright charcoal fires ward off spirits dark. The owl hoots its evensong salute, as the Druids wand stirs medicinal root.
Ash at Woodland Trust
5. Elder
Sambucus nigra
Beneath the roots, thirty bits of silver penny, ignored by the foragers feet seeking sour berry. Brew the tea and ferment the wine, prepare a feast where the Swallowtail larva dine. Plant the bush to protect the home, burn the branch to see the Devil roam.
Elder at Woodland Trust
8. Yew
Taxus baccata
Ancient warden standing guard, over tomb of the fallen in churches yard. Wood is turned to make handle true, as arrows from the longbow flew. Coffin of vine on emerald isle, as mourners file down churches aisle.
Yew at Woodland Trust
3. Silver Birch
Betula pendula
A symphony of fungus under drooping boughs, and healthy calves from highland cows. Bobbins spin and spools unwind, hide is tanned and cotton twined. Zebra bark on winter heath, chanterelle regiment assembles beneath.
Silver Birch at Woodland Trust
6. Holly
Ilex aquifolium
The Stormcock sentinel is a diligent guard, of prickly bush destined for Christmas card. Hedgehog sleeps in leafy bed, lady flowers now bright and red. Whittle the white wood to make slender walking stick, but keep some branches spare to ward off Old Nick.
Holly at Woodland Trust
9. Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Butterflies flitter through regal crown, as insects seek shelter in robes of red-brown. Crossed twigs twitch and give direction, as leaves are prepared for soothing medication. The Queen stands alone in majestic splendor, the mighty woodland defender.
Beech at Woodland Trust
