Masses of caterpillars which feed on oak leaves in turn provide vital food for Great Tits and Blue Tits feeding their young in May and June. One in every two insect eating species depends on woodlands for its existance. Ivy is a valuable plant in woodlands and small tree covered areas. It gives nesting and roosting shelter for birds and also provides berries in late winter for Blackbirds and Thrushes . In normal circumstances ivy should have little or no effect on a healty tree.
Resident birds enjoy the benefits of trees all the year round.
Their numbers are increased in summer with migrant birds like Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and even the rare Redstart which nest here to take acvantage of the abundant food supply in the woodlands. These are replaced in the winter months by Fieldfares, Redwings and, sometimes, by spectacular Waxwings , all of whom are escaping colder conditions in Northern Europe. Oak Outstanding wildlife valiue. Richest insect tree with many associated mammals, plants and birds. Alder Rich in insects on foliage.