Wild cherry flowering on South facing woodland edge

A biodiverse landscape is a beautiful landscape, where diversity creates endless interest for our senses. Wild cherry (Prunus avium) along the woodland margins delights with spring blossom, abuzz in this sheltered, sunny aspect with pollinating insects. The summer bounty of fruit brings a clamour of gorging birds and badger toilets fill with cherry stones. Fiery autumn foliage gives a last gift of warmth before the winter sets in.

Woodland margins are biodiversity hotspots. Escaping the shade of the canopy, flowers and fruiting opportunities abound, and with the added richnes of niches presented where habitats meet, ecosystem complexity booms. Planting species such as cherry, rowan, crab and wild pear makes the most of this bonanza for life.