Wild Wednesday - the common beech tree
Graceful, towering, and majestic, the common beech (Fagus sylvatica) reigns as the queen of British trees. These trees can soar to heights of over 40 metres, forming sweeping canopies that shimmer golden-brown in autumn. Beneath their branches, the forest floor becomes a mosaic of fallen leaves and beech nuts-known as "mast"-providing vital food for wildlife.
In spring, the young leaves emerge a delicate lime green, cloaked in fine silky hairs. As the seasons progress, they deepen to a rich green and shed their softness, revealing their signature oval shape with gently wavy edges. Remarkably, many beech trees retain their leaves throughout winter-a phenomenon called marcescence-adding texture and colour to otherwise bare landscapes.
Their bark is another marvel: smooth, silvery-grey, and etched with subtle horizontal lines, it gives the beech a statuesque elegance that stands out in any woodland.
Want to see more? Discover stunning images and fascinating facts here: Beech, common (Fagus sylvatica) - Woodland Trust