Elder provides younger growth support for nature

A stalwart of the summer is growing a protective arm over a site committed to preserving trees and wildflowers.

Over 1,000 Elder trees are growing strong this season at Denbighshire County Council’s Tree Nursery, laying the foundations to ward off negativity across local land.

Myths surrounding the Elder say planting one near your home is enough to ward off the devil and a solitary elder on the nursery’s boundary at St Asaph is providing a lot of protection through its new offspring.

Historically, Elder which provided a source for coloured dyes, was also made to make the patterned Harris Tweed.

The Council’s Biodiversity Team took cuttings from the tree, got to work at the nursery and the results have preserved the lineage of the older elder watching over the site.

Many of the new Elders will be planted out on the Green Gates Nature Reserve next to the Tree Nursery. The flowers on the trees will help provide up to 60 years’ worth of nectar for insects and the berries food for birds and mammals.

A variety of moth caterpillars can also feed on the tree foliage including the swallowtail, dot moth, white-spotted pug, and buff ermine.

Sam Brown Tree Nursery Assistant said: “Elder is steeped in rich history for both nature and humans and it’s been great to grow this many trees off the tree we have on site here at the nursery. The tree is such a great support for a wide range of nature and it’s nice to think the older one at our site has helped supply us with so many next generation trees to help bring positivity to nature making its home at the Green Gates Reserve and other sites in the county.”