Aspen is a small, slender poplar tree of heathland, woodland and wet woodland, and can particularly be found in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Aspen are known as 'colonial trees' because they spread by growing suckers from their roots from which new shoots appear. They can form extensive groves in this many. However, Aspen also reproduce sexually through wind pollination: flowers can be seen from February to March and the male and female catkins appear on separate trees.
The Wildlife Trusts manage many woodland nature reserves sympathetically for wildlife by ensuring a range of appropriate tree species, such as Aspen, provide food and shelter. You can help too: volunteer for The Wildlife Trusts and you could be involved in everything from traditional forest crafts to raising awareness about woodland wildlife.
