19 August 2008

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Autumn Leaves in London

If you play that word association game the chances are that when you hear the word "autumn" you immediately say "leaves". There is no need to travel to New England - we have many more trees in many more parks than most cities in the world and in autumn they make a wonderful sight.

Choose a dry day and take the children "leaf kicking". Everyone loves this autumnal pursuit even though someone invariably ends up with a bunch of leaves shoved down the back of the neck - as long as they're not too soggy, it's ok!

Wherever you live you have a park or piece of woodland near to you:
London parks
Woods and woodland around London

Although you will find so many different trees from around the world, we do have our "regular London trees". Encourage your children to be able to identify different trees by collecting leaves.

The Woodland Trust has lots of very useful information and pictures of leaves and flowers and buds so you shouldn't be left in any doubt about what you have seen.

The London Transport web site has the following information about some of our common city trees.

Oak - Quercus robur A large tree (35 metres) with a wide crown, and broad bole bearing low branches at right articles. It is often planted in woods, parks and gardens.
What use is it?
Buildings, ships, barrels, furniture, wheel spokes, charcoal.

Hornbeam - Carpinus betulu The hornbeam grows to 25 metres and has a fluted, buttressed bole, and grey bark with metallic-blue and pale brown veins. The leaves are dark green and glossy above and paler below, with a short red-brown petiole.
What use is it?
Butchers' chopping blocks, shoe lasts, skittles, wooden screws, industrial cogs and pulleys. The timber makes good fuel for bread ovens.

Ash - Fraxinus excelsior With smooth grey bark and glabrous leaves that are green even in autumn, the ash grows up to 40 metres high and prefers damp, calcareous soil.
What use is it?
Wheel rims, ladder rungs, tool handles, oars, hockey sticks, tennis rackets and billiard cues. The timber is shock absorbent.

Sycamore - Acer pseudoplatanus An abundant tree that tolerates salt spray and city pollution. It reaches around 35 metres in height and has smooth grey bark, which is whorled and cracked higher up.
What use is it?
Kitchen utensils, draining boards, rollers and furniture. The seeds are sometimes affectionately called 'helicopters'.