Though often-under-appreciated characters on our canals, the trees that line our towpaths and water banks provide shade and shelter for wildlife.
Walking along the tranquil towpaths of our canals, you're likely to encounter a wealth of nature – from vibrant wildflowers to the soothing sounds of birdsong. But what about the canopy of trees that line the banks?
Whether you're strolling by the Grand Union or exploring the quiet waterways tucked away in the countryside, here are five common trees you'll often find along UK canals.
1. Willow
Scientific name: Salix
Family: Salicaceae
Height: Up to 25m
Origin: Non-native
Willows are perhaps the quintessential tree associated with waterways, and you'll find them growing along almost every canal path in the UK. These graceful, flexible trees thrive in damp conditions and are particularly well-suited to the wetlands of our canals.
Long willow branches sway gently in the breeze, with leaves that shimmer in sunlight.
The most common willow along our canals is the weeping willow (Salix babylonica), with its distinctive drooping branches. But you might also spot other species, like the grey willow (Salix cinerea) and crack willow (Salix fragilis), which both have oval-shaped leaves instead of the typical straight ones.
In spring, willows produce soft, furry catkins that are a favourite for many birds and pollinators, like bees.
2. Oak
Scientific name: Quercus robur
Family: Fagaceae
Height: 20-40m
Origin: Native
Oak trees might not be closely tied to wetlands, but the English oak is often spotted along our canal embankments. This majestic and sturdy tree has stood as a symbol of British woodlands for centuries.
The oak's thick bark and wide-spreading branches provide bird nesting sites, while its acorns are a vital food source for many woodland creatures.
The oak tree's heavy branches provide much-needed shade on hot summer days along our towpaths.
3. Ash
Scientific name: Fraxinus excelsior
Family: Oleaceae
Height: Up to 35m
Origin: Native
Known for their tall, straight trunks and fine leaves, the common ash is a grand tree, widespread on our network. Its presence helps to stabilise the soil along the banks, preventing erosion.
In late spring, you'll find clusters of small, green flowers, which become distinctive, winged seeds known as 'keys'.
Ash trees are a valuable habitat for birds, insects and fungi.
Unfortunately, the ash tree population in the UK has been under threat from ash dieback disease, but you can still find many healthy specimens along our towpaths.
The sycamore thrives along our canals. This fast-growing tree is easily recognised by its large leaves and spiky seed pods, called 'helicopters' as they fall in a whirling flight from the tree.
Sycamores typically grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Their dense foliage provides a canopy of shade, while the broad, spreading branches are ideal for birds to build nests in.
Sycamore trees can live for 400 years.
5. Horse chestnut
Scientific name: Aesculus hippocastanum
Family: Hippocastanaceae
Height: Up to 40m
Origin: Non-native
With large palmate leaves that branch off into 5-7 smaller pointed leaves, the horse chestnut is a majestic tree.
In spring, its striking flowers add a burst of colour, and by autumn, the distinctive conkers – the tree's seeds – begin to fall. These small treasures have inspired children's games for nearly 200 years and have been used in horse medicines, shampoos, and as a substitute for starch. There's even (unproven) hearsay that conkers can ward off spiders.
The horse chestnut's dense foliage provides lots of shade, and its sturdy branches make it an ideal nesting site for birds and small mammals.
The horse chestnut was introduced to the UK from Turkey in the late 16th century.
