Bentley Priory Nature Trail
Post 4: Field maple, Acer campestre grows on both sides of the path. Field maple is a small tree or bush and, unlike its relative the sycamore, is a true English native. The leaves are very like those of sycamore, although much smaller - see illustration below. In spring look for a blooming crab apple on the left side of the path.

A few metres up ahead a square manhole can be seen to the left of the path and one can usually hear rushing water below. This is not a sewer, but a major drinking water supply to the London Ring Main.

Along this section of the path look out for coppiced hornbeams, mainly on the left side. A coppiced tree is cut down all the way to the base, and grows out a mass of new young branches to form a tight bush. Coppicing allows the growth of many more ground level plants than are found in mature woodland, while the tight bush-like coppice stands are perfect for nesting birds including blackbird, robin, wren, dunnock and blackcap.


Image: Leaf of Field Maple

To description for post 5

Click here to learn more about the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum including guided walks and conservation workdays.