The clues are there for tree detectives

I LOVE this time of year. Watching the leaves take on their autumnal hues and confetti to the ground brings on thoughts of cosy nights wrapped up in blankets and looking forward to Christmas.

- JENNY BENNION

But one of my favourite spring and summer activities of taking time to notice trees and identify them becomes so much harder at this time of year.

Without their leaves, trees tend to have a tendency to look, well... like trees, so winter tree identification can be quite a challenge. But there are things that we can look out for to help us on our quest.

Bark is a great place to start. There are some easy wins such as the instantly recognisable peeling silvery white bark of the silver birch.

But did you know that the bark of older sweet chestnut trees seemingly spirals up and around the trunk? Sycamore bark is deeply plated, looking ready to peel off at any moment, whereas hazel bark remains smooth and almost silkylooking all year round.