Those with children (young and old) may like to print the activity sheet before leaving home and bring a crayon and some tape with them to do bark rubbings and take a fallen leaf from the tree.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
The native rowan is sometimes known as mountain ash because its thrives at high altitudes and its leaves are similar to those of the ash. It is not related to the ash though. Rowan trees can live for up to 200 years. The rowan is hermaphrodite, meaning each flower contains both male and female reproductive parts. Flowers are borne in dense clusters, each one bearing five creamy white petals.
Height Up to 15m tall
Trunk diameter: Generally under 40cm
Bark: The bark is smooth and silvery grey
Leaves: They are like a feather (pinnate), comprising 5-8 pairs of leaflets, plus one 'terminal' leaflet at the end. Each leaflet is long, oval and toothed. Leaf buds are purple and hairy.
The leaves are eaten by caterpillars of a number of moths, including the larger Welsh wave and autumn green carpet. Caterpillars of the apple fruit moth feed on the berries. Flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, while the berries are a rich source of autumn food for birds, especially the blackbird, mistle thrush, redstart, redwing, song thrush, fieldfare and waxwing.
In the past the colour red was considered to be the best colour for fighting evil, and so the rowan, with its bright red berries, has long been associated with magic and witches. Its old Celtic name is 'fid na ndruad', which means wizards' tree. In Ireland it was planted near houses to protect them against spirits, and in Wales rowan trees were planted in churchyards. Cutting down a rowan was considered taboo in Scotland.
Rowan berries are edible to humans - they are sour but rich in vitamin C, and can be used to make a jelly to accompany meats.