Silver Birch is a familiar, small, spindly tree with thin branches and papery bark. It is found on heathland, moorland and mountainsides, as well as on dry, sandy soils. One of the first trees to recolonise the UK after the last glacial period, Silver Birch is an opportunistic species; its seeds are produced in huge numbers and dispersed easily by the wind.
The pioneering nature of Silver Birch can cause a problem in certain habitats, such as heathlands and fens. Here, it can grow quickly, invading the floor and shading out other, specialist plants. When this occurs on Wildlife Trust nature reserves, it is usually cleared or thinned to allow the heathland or fen to regenerate. On the other hand, Silver Birch in the right place can provide a great habitat for everything from birds to insects, so it is left to grow naturally in many areas.
